KINGFISHER OUT OF EGYPT. [together with] LYRICS OF THE NILE.

(Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1934; 1938). First work: 252 x 163 mm. (10 x 6 1/2"); Second work: 250 x 165 mm. (9 7/8 x 6 1/2"). 51, [1] pp; viii, 88, [4] pp. Two separately published works. ONE OF 750 COPIES of the first work; Second Edition of the second work.

Both works in vellum-backed patterned paper boards, smooth spines with gilt lettering. Kingfisher with seven in-text illustrations, and "Lyrics" with ink gift inscription on title to Esther Seebohm SIGNED BY ASHBEE and dated October 1938. ◆Kingfisher: vellum a little spotty and with a scratch on the lower side, paper slightly browned at top of upper board, occasional light scattered foxing, toning to first and last leaf; "Lyrics": vellum somewhat soiled, covers slightly rubbed and edges worn through to boards, but the contents in excellent condition. On the whole very good copies with mostly minor condition issues.

Written by Essex House Press founder C. R. Ashbee, these two works were inspired by the author's time in Egypt during the First World War. Ashbee first published "Lyrics," a book of poetry, anonymously in 1919 under the pseudonym "An Anglo-American Civil Servant"; "Kingfisher" features an imagined discussion among Akhenaton, Aspasia, Josephus, St. Louis, Saadi, Beatrice d'Este, and Pierpont Morgan, with collotype images by Emery Walker. The gift inscription to "Lyrics" indicates it was owned by Esther Seebohm, the sister of Hugh Seebohm, Ashbee's lifelong friend and a supporter of the Guild of Handicraft.
(CCS1927)

Price: $195.00

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