Here is one of those books that is not so interesting, but the bindings are beautiful nonetheless. Item 44 is the two volumes of Midnight the Signal, by Jonas Hanway, published in 1779. Hanway became a merchant in the 1740's and did some extensive traveling to Russia and other far off places. Evidently, he was quite successful, as he later became known as a philanthropist. Like Mrs. Rockefeller-McCormick, he was also a noted eccentric. He was said to be the first British man to carry an umbrella in public, which doesn't sound that radical today, but at the time only women carried them. He also did a lot of writing, usually pamphlets, which he would have bound in high quality bindings and give to friends, libraries, even the King. While the bindings he commissioned were outstanding, his writings were not quite up to his covers. Hanway was described as “a highly estimable character, but one of the greatest bores of his day.” The bindings more reflect his character, the texts his personality. In this book, he advises people that midnight should be the signal that it is time to stop dancing, music, and other celebratory conduct if one wants to preserve his health. $4,800.
We conclude with Poemes, by Francis Thompson, published in 1939. Thompson was a respected poet, if not a man of great renown today, but his poems are not why this is a very special book. It is the Bonet binding, executed by René Desmules, that is spectacular. Nothing can be said to do it justice. Click the image on this page to enlarge the picture. It says it all. Nevertheless, we add a quote from Pirages: “It is not too much to say that it is a masterpiece of composition and execution.” Item 196. $45,000.
Phillip J. Pirages Fine Books and Manuscripts may be reached at 503-472-0476 or [email protected]. Their website is www.pirages.com.
