Songs of Innocence and of Experience, shewing the Two Contrary States of the Human Soul.
1923. Liverpool: Henry Young and Sons, 1923.
Small 4to, (7) pages of text, 54 illuminated leaves guarded with tissues. Original russet calf, raised bands, backstrip lettered in gilt, gilt top. First few (text) leaves foxed as usual, color plates in perfect condition.
§ Limited to 51 copies, this is copy #14 colored by Samuel Hurd from the original in the British Museum. This facsimile was executed over a period of 8 1/2 years using the same methods by which Blake printed the original. The British Museum copy differs substantially from all other copies especially in the coloring; thus comparison of this example with the Trianon Press facsimile gives quite an insight into Blake’s changing sentiments towards this his most famous work. Plate 42, The Tyger, is a good example of how differently he treated one of his best known images over a period of time. Bentley, Blake Books, 178. Item #124847
Price: $5,500.00