1956 Rare Bayntun Binding - Poetry and Prose of William Blake, in One Volume
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Author: William Blake. Edited by Geoffrey Keynes.
Title: Poetry and Prose of William Blake. Complete in One Volume.
Publisher: London, The Nonesuch Library, 1956.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 8" x 5".
Pages: xi-936 pages.
Binding: Attractive and near fine three-quarter blue morocco leather binding by Bayntun (Bath, England), with raised bands, gilt title, and fleurons to spine; matching blue cloth sides (hinges fine, overall slightly scuffed - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover. Top edge gilt.
Content: Near fine condition. Internally very clean and fresh with no markings. Some very faint spotting to outer text block edge. Beautifully preserved and expertly bound.
Illustrations: Nicely illustrated throughout with Blake's illustrations for “The Gates of Paradise.”
Estimate: (USD 250–350).
The book: A magnificent copy of the 1956 Nonesuch Library edition of Blake’s complete poetic and prose works, edited by renowned Blake scholar Geoffrey Keynes. First published in 1927, this centenary edition captures the lyrical power and mysticism of Blake’s vision, from Songs of Innocence and Experience to The Marriage of Heaven and Hell, The Everlasting Gospel, and The Gates of Paradise, making it one of the most comprehensive and enduring Blake compilations. This finely bound volume by Bayntun enhances its appeal to collectors, with its striking blue leather and meticulous craftsmanship.
The author: William Blake (1757–1827) was a visionary English poet, painter, and printmaker, often considered one of the seminal figures of the Romantic Age. His works combine imaginative power, profound spirituality, and political radicalism. Though largely unrecognized during his lifetime, Blake is now celebrated for his originality and influence on modern poetry and art. His illuminated books, in particular, remain central to studies of English literature and visual culture.
The editor: Sir Geoffrey Keynes (1887–1982), a noted British bibliophile, surgeon, and scholar, was one of the earliest and most authoritative editors of William Blake’s work. His editions were instrumental in establishing Blake’s literary and artistic legacy, presenting complex texts in accessible formats while maintaining scholarly integrity.