America, a Prophecy

London: Published at The Trianon Press for The William Blake Trust, 1963. Limited Edition. Hardcover. Fine. Blake, William. One of 20 copies bound in full morocco, with extra proofs and stencil, folio size, unpaginated [18 plates and 5 pp. of commentary]. "America, a Prophecy" was etched in Blake's first years in Lambeth, around 1791, and published 1794. It is the seventh book executed by Blake in his Illuminated Printing, one of his prophetic books. Its theme is drawn from historical events taking place in Europe and North America towards the end of the eighteenth century, especially concerning the American Revolution.

William Blake (1757 (truncated) - 1827) is arguably the most original and highly-regarded English author - unusual in that he excelled both as an author and an artist. Although thought mad by his contemporaries, he was held in high regard for his expressiveness and for the synthesis of philosophical and mystical senses within his work. Blake’s work has been spectacularly reproduced through the pochoir technique by Arnold Fawkus and his Trianon Press, which has an undeniable claim to being the finest press of its kind in the last century and has long been known for their unrivaled artworks in fine colour printing.

This copy one of the deluxe versions of this work, bound in full morocco and with extra proofs and stencil at the rear.

___DESCRIPTION: Full blue morocco, top-edge gilt, backstrip lettered in gilt, eighteen colour plates reproduced by the collotype and pochoir processes, following the colophon are the extra proofs (nineteen total) showing the development of the completion of Plate 15 as each colour is added, there are several additional progressive proofs for the frontis plate and Plates 6, 12, 13, and 1, printed on Arches pure rag paper made to match that used by Blake, each page is water-marked with Blake's monogram; folio size (14 1/2" by 10 1/2"), limited edition, this roman numeral copy "XV" of twenty deluxe copies (526 total edition). Housed in publisher's slipcase of blue hand-marbled paper with blue morocco guards at the head and tail of opening.

___CONDITION: Volume fine, the morocco smooth and supple, corners are straight and unrubbed, a strong, square text block with solid hinges, internally bright and clean, the sole prior owner markings being a small, tasteful Ex-Libris on the front pastedown and a descreetly written last name in ink at the very top of the front pastedown. The slipcase is near fine, strong and sturdy, with several small areas of minor rubbing to the paper covering.

___CITATION: Bentley, Blake Books no. 9.

___POSTAGE: International customers, please note that additional postage may apply as the standard shipping charge does not always cover costs; please inquire for details.

___Swan's Fine Books is pleased to be a member of the ABAA, ILAB, and IOBA and we stand behind every book we sell. Please contact us with any questions you may have, we are here to help. (Inventory #: 33331051)