[Ashendene Press- Don Quixote, Scarce Original Publisher's Full Pigskin Binding] The History of the Valorous and Wittie Knight-Errant Don Quixote of the Mancha

Chelsea: Ashendene Press, 1928. First Edition. First Edition. Two volumes. Folio (17 x 12 inches). Extremely scarce in the Ashendene full pigskin binding in which Hornby commissioned W. H. Smith to expertly bind (signed on rear lower dentelle of volume two in gilt pallet: "Bound by W. H. Smith and Son." Though the exact number bound in the full beige pigskin binding is not known, there general agreement that it was a very small number, and more scarce than the green pigskin binding which shows up rarely as well. A massive, beautiful two volume binding with five large raised bands extending slightly onto covers forming a triangle, six large raised bands (truncated) and two extending out at top and bottom, six panels, two of which contain gilt-stamped lettering. Printed in Ptolemy type on handmade Batchelor paper, designed for its first use by Emery Walker, in black and red, double column, shoulder notes in red, chapter headings in red beneath chapter numbers in black, two three-quarter page borders, 18-line and smaller initial capitals or opening words in a stylized black-on-white leaf and tendril pattern, designed by Louise Powell and cut on wood by W. M. Quick and G. H. Ford. All edges untrimmed. One of 255 copies, in the original pigskin binding (Hornby 36). An aesthetic masterpiece, produced for one of the most famous works of Western Literature. Both volumes in fine condition, making this certainly a lasting treasure. (Inventory #: 6220)