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| DIPSY CHANTY Roycrofters Orig. Watercolor 1898 1/60 Ltd |
Here is a very rare Roycroft book, The Dipsy Chanty (and other selected poems by Rudyard Kipling), the showpiece of my new Roycroft section. This 1898 printing of The Dipsy Chanty is #12 of a limited edition of only 60, hand illumined, initialed by Elbert Hubbard. This copy profusely illustrated with original watercolors by Roycroft artist Clara Schegel. Printed by the Roycrofters in East Aurora, New York. This book is also notable since Hubbard changed Kipling's text without his permission, and was sued as a result.
McKenna's 1996 Bibiliography notes that the 1898 catalog advertises 60 specially illumined copies but had not seen a copy and says "We suspect that the special illumination was only hand embellishment of the Lombardic initial letters with gold". Well, he guessed wrong. At least two have since been found and are shown on the excellent Roycroft reference site at:
http://roycroftbooks.org/dipsy_chanty.htm
and http://roycroftbooks.org/dipsy_chanty_30_60_98_modiano.htm
They are both illumined by Clara Schegel but this book seems to predate the ones on that site, as Schegel initialed it "CS 11/4/98" on p. 9, while those are dated 11/23/98 (one may be 11/25/98?). While an ocean scene is pictured, it is of two small sailing vessels rather than the single large ship shown in those books.
Bound in suede, lined in red silk, 5 1/4" x 8 1/2", 90 numbered pages. There are about 13 individual watercolor images in the white space, in addition to the hand-painted initials. They are similar, but not exactly the same, as the ones shown in the books on the roycroftbooks.org site.
This scarce book is in very good condition. Light soiling and fading to (originally green) suede, but better than most. Gilt embellishment in excellent condition. Spine is complete and not torn. The interior has age toning to endpapers opposite silk and along exposed edges, but is otherwise near fine. No writing, marks, tears or odor. Really remarkable to find at all, especially in this condition. A beautiful, highly collectible copy that will be the crown of your collection!
See also my other Roycroft book with original hand watercolors: Upland Pastures. Seem like a lot of money? It is, but while Roycroft books with illumined initials or colophon are fairly common, ones with original watercolors are rare--the only book with watercolors I can find for sale online is "Old John Burroughs"--with only 2 watercolors--offered for between $425 and $6700 on Abebooks. Very similar to the Old John Burroughs I just listed in my Ebay store for $349, but mine has a rare 3/4 marbled binding. This book has many, many more original works of art!
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My first Roycroft book completely captivated me. It was only a catalog, not even one of their finest works. Yet as I held it, I knew it was very different from any other book I had.
The Roycroft press specialized in hand-made and hand-illumined books during the late 1800's and early 1900's. Led by Elbert Hubbard, this was a semi-Utopian artist's community where employees played the piano, took classes, and participated in sports as part of their daily onsite routine. Hubbard was a writer, philosopher, and astute businessman who has been both loved and vilified throughout the years. Despite his faults, there is no doubt that he produced beautiful books. Browse the Roycroft section of my store and see for yourself. As with my Oz inventory, I will try to keep a selection of unusual items in stock.
Hold a Roycroft book, and hold a moment in time.
Featured Roycroft Motto (this one captures Hubbard's individualism as well as his sense of humor): "Be very careful how you go into the Best Society. I know a man who ventured in, once, and sank over his ears. We got him out, but he was never any good afterwards."
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Welcome to Avant Garde Books and Magazines!
I feature unusual and hard to find vintage books and magazines. My specialty is Wizard of Oz and related books and ephemera.
There's nothing that beats browsing through the shelves of a cozy little brick-and-mortar bookshop. I want this shop to be as close to that experience for you as possible, while still offering the convenience and global reach of an Ebay virtual store. That's why the following amenities are offered, including:
Photos of all items, so you can see what you're buying (email for extra photos)
Answers to your questions within 24 hours (unless I'm on travel, and possibly even then!)
Customer loyalty program, with discounts on multiple purchases (see below).
Money back guarantee on your purchase. |
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Int'l bidders please email for quote BEFORE bidding.
Please pay promptly so I can ship your item ASAP. If items aren’t paid for within one week of auction ending, I will have to file an unpaid item dispute so that I can relist without paying additional fees. Thanks! |
Shipping:
Books are shipped by Media Mail, which is the cheapest and still quite reliable. Media Mail does take one or two weeks for delivery, depending on where you live. $4.95 for most items by Media Mail; $1.50 for each additional item.
We can ship Priority Mail if you prefer,although it is usually expensive--email your zip code for a quote.
We wrap securely, putting vintage books in boxes rather than padded envelopes, and use cardboard backing with magazines. Insurance is recommended for expensive items, as I can't be responsible (in the rare event) an item is lost or damaged in the mail. I will ship internationally to many countries, but contact me BEFORE purchasing for the cost--it can be substantial. You may also be responsible for customs' duties in your country, and please don't ask me to falsify customs forms! |
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It's good for me if you purchase more than one item, so I want it to be good for you too! Purchase one item at regular price, and get a 7% discount on any and all additional items of lesser or equal value! (Auction items not included).
Purchase your items using Buy it Now, but please WAIT for a discounted invoice before you pay. And you save on shipping for multiple items as well ($1.50 for each additional book or magazine).
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I want you to be completely happy with your purchase. I try to list all flaws of note when describing an item, but perhaps something slips my eye, or is otherwise not up to snuff. You can return the item for a full refund of your purchase price.
You must contact me for a refund within 3 days of receipt, and I must receive it back it within 14 days. (Shipping costs not refunded, since these are a direct out-of-pocket expense).
Please handle and ship your item with care so it's returned in its original condition. |
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