The Private Press, Art, Fine Literature and More from The Kelmscott Bookshop

A Kelmscott Bookshop catalogue would not be complete without something from the Kelmscott Press, for which it was named. Item 55 is the Kelmscott edition of The Life of Thomas Wolsey, Cardinal Archbishop of York, by George Cavendish. Written in manuscript in the 1550s, but not published until 1641, Kelmscott's edition was published in 1893. When Henry VIII ascended to the thrown in 1509, Thomas Wolsey rose to power with him. He would become one of the most influential and powerful people during the first two decades of Henry's reign. However, he would earn Henry's wrath when the King unsuccessfully attempted to get the Church to end his first marriage. Most of his power was taken away, and when Wolsey was called back to London to face charges of treason, he died en route, probably the best way out of his predicament. $1,700.

Item 58 is a printing of a letter written by William Morris, operator of the Kelmscott Press. It is focused on Morris' other priorities besides printing - art and economic systems. The book is titled The Artist & The Capitalist, one of 100 numbered copies printed by The Printery in 2009. The letter was written to Richard Marsden, who was critical of a lecture Morris had given about “Art Under Plutocracy.” Morris was a socialist, not one who would have appreciated the influence of great wealth. Morris' letter had not previously been published. $475.

Item 133 is a copy of William Hillman's Mr. President, a sympathetic view of President Harry Truman, published in 1952, near the end of his term. This copy is inscribed by the President “To Jane Lingo, a lovely young lady with best wishes for a long and happy life.” Jane Lingo was a good friend of the President's daughter, Margaret, as well as being something of a socialite, a volunteer to good causes, and a longtime employee of her alma mater, George Washington University. Ms. Lingo was also a journalist, and in 1971 was one of the first women invited to join the National Press Club. In keeping with President Truman's wishes, she lived for another 55 years after receiving this book. $1,500.

The Kelmscott Bookshop Rare Books may be reached at 410-235-6810 or info@kelmscottbookshop.com. Their website is www.kelmscottbookshop.com.