1854 A Book of Nonsense

Description

Early Edition, Illustrated, Leather Binding

The very scarce second edition of Edward Lear's popular work of 'literary nonsense'. 

The second edition, identified via the presence of five lines of text in italics to the tail of each leaf; 73 plates (later editions had additional plates); tuft of grass between the legs in the 'Old Derry Down Derry' illustration; 'The Young Lady of Tyre' lacks a feather; 'The Young Lady of Norway' has acquired a second door.

Vivien Noakes, 'Edward Lear, 1812-1888', 73. Marco Graziosi, 'The Second Edition of Edward Lear’s Book of Nonsense'.

This second edition has been dated 1854, 1855, and 1856 by various sources, with no overall consensus as to publication date ever reached.

As this copy is rebound, it lacks the title which should appear to the front board.

Illustrated with 73 lithographs. Collated, complete.

Rebound in half morocco, with endpapers renewed.

Edward Lear was an English artist, illustrator, author and poet, known for popularising the genre of literary nonsense. This work encapsulates his humour and nonsensical style through a series of charming limericks and their accompanying illustrations.

With a contemporary inscription to a front blank reading 'Sept. 1861, M. B. Karslake, from her affectionate Brother A. J. Karslake'.

Along with the practically unobtainable first edition, this is the only edition of this iconic work to be printed entirely in lithographs. Both of these early editions are believed to have been printed in extremely small editions of between only 250-500 copies each.