HEWITT, Graily, NESBIT, Edith., JACKSON, F. Ernest, PRYSE, Spenser. ~ The Neolith. Nos I-IV
4 issues, complete. The text is printed throughout in lithographic calligraphic printing after being written out by Graily Hewitt. With lithographs by Frank Brangwyn, Ernest Jackson, Spenser Pryse, Charles Shannon, Sickert, A.S. Hartrick, Joseph Pennell and others. 42 x 29.5 cm. Large folio, a very good set in the original brown paper sewn wrappers, printed in calligraphic titling by Graily Hewitt and the periodical device on the back wrapper.
The Neolith was an artistic literary periodical published quarterly in London from 1907-1908 under the direction of Edith Nesbit, Graily Hewitt, F. Ernest Jackson and Spencer Pryse. The issues featured poems and short stories with illustrations throughout the text and as individual inserts. Edith Nesbit was an important English author and poet who wrote and collaborated on more than 60 books of fiction for children including the famous Railway Children, Five Children and It and the Phoenix and the Carpet. Also a political activist, she co-founded the Fabian Society, a socialist organisation later affiliated to the Labour Party. Many of those involved with The Neolith were active as artists and writers, and several promoted lithography. As a result, both the illustrations and the text of the periodical were printed using that medium.
The texts include poetry by Edith Nesbit, G.K. Chesterton, Bernard Shaw, Selwyn Image, Edith Nesbit, Laurence Housman, Lord Dunsany, Andrew Lang and many others, including a long poem written by Graily Hewitt.