- 54
Eliot, T.S.
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats. London: Faber and Faber, 1939
- Paper
8vo (217 x 159mm.), first edition, presentation copy inscribed by the author to the publisher and his family ("To Enid & Geoffrey Faber | and all minor Fabers | Ole Possum (himself)."), original yellow cloth printed in red with pictorial design by Eliot on upper cover, original yellow pictorial dust-jacket printed in black with design by the author, this copy inscribed by Eliot in ink ("O.P. | pinxit"), jacket rubbed and browned at spine and edges, small chips at head of spine with some loss, short tear at head of each cover, cloth folding box
Provenance
Geoffrey and Enid Faber, inscription
Literature
Gallup A34
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of cataloguing, when appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
A superb association copy with a hint of humour and affection, reflecting his long-standing relationship with the pre-eminent publishers.
T.S. Eliot had begun his long association with Faber and Faber in 1922 when they published The Waste Land. In 1925 Eliot left his full-time job at Lloyds Bank to work at Faber and Faber as an editor. The firm was run very much as a close family concern, and Geoffrey and Enid's son, Tom, was Eliot's godchild: Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats was born out of doodles created by Eliot for Tom ("the Possum" was Eliot's alias amongst his friends). Eliot met his second wife, Valerie, at the firm, where she was for many years his secretary.