A scarce and beautifully produced Golden Cockerel Press edition of H. G. Wells' The Country of the Blind, published in 1939 and illustrated with striking wood engravings by Clifford Webb.
This edition was limited to just 280 numbered copies, printed on handmade paper. It includes both Wells' revised 1939 version of the story and the original 1904 text, making it particularly interesting to collectors of H. G. Wells, illustrated literature and fine private press books.
This is copy number 111 of 280.
The book is bound in cream leather over yellow cloth boards, presenting a particularly attractive and understated appearance.
Author: H. G. Wells
Title: The Country of the Blind
Publisher: Golden Cockerel Press
Publication: 1939
Limited Edition: Number 111 of 280 copies
Illustrations: Original wood engravings by Clifford Webb
Paper: Handmade
Contents: Both the revised 1939 text and original 1904 version
Binding: Cream leather over yellow cloth boards
Dust Jacket: None present
A very clean and attractive copy with minimal, if any, foxing.
The text block is beautifully preserved, and the wood engravings are clear, clean and crisp, with strong impressions and no obvious staining or marking.
There is a small, old handwritten dedication on one of the flyleaves, dated 1955, which is mentioned for completeness.
The binding remains very presentable, with only light age-related wear consistent with a book of this period.
Important Note Regarding the Binding
Following a recent enquiry from a knowledgeable collector, it has been suggested that the binding on this copy may not be the original publisher's binding, as its materials and colour combination do not correspond precisely with those recorded in the standard Golden Cockerel Press bibliography, Pertelote.
The binding described in that reference differs from the cream leather and yellow cloth boards found on this example.
I cannot establish definitively whether this represents an unrecorded variation of the publisher's binding or a subsequent rebinding.
My own impression remains that the binding is contemporaneous with the book, or at least of considerable age. The materials, workmanship, lettering and general ageing appear entirely consistent with the period, and the book was originally purchased from a highly respected antiquarian bookseller as retaining its original binding. However, I appreciate that this does not constitute definitive proof.
In the interests of complete transparency, I have reduced the asking price accordingly to reflect this uncertainty.
Importantly, the contents of the book remain entirely unaffected. The original handmade paper, printed text and Clifford Webb wood engravings are all beautifully preserved, and the book remains a scarce and desirable example of Golden Cockerel Press craftsmanship.
I am selling a small selection of private press books that I have collected and enjoyed over the years to make room for new acquisitions. I am a private collector rather than a professional bookseller.
I have tried to describe this volume as carefully and accurately as possible, including the uncertainty concerning its binding, so that prospective purchasers can make an informed decision.
As with any book approaching 90 years of age, assessments of condition, originality and attribution are necessarily subjective. Please study all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description.
If you would like additional photographs or have any specific questions, please do not hesitate to ask before purchasing.
A particularly pleasing copy of one of Wells' best-known stories, in a scarce and beautifully illustrated Golden Cockerel Press limited edition.
The book will be packed with great care to ensure its safe arrival.