Alvin Langdon Coburn

(London and New York, 1909), a volume of 20 tipped-in hand-pulled photogravures, with an introduction by Hilaire Belloc. Folio, one-quarter green calf, gilt-lettered boards; original letterpress dust jacket (Imagining Paradise, p. 224)

The gravures are in generally excellent condition. The heavy pages upon which they are mounted exhibit age-darkening at the peripheries. This volume is accompanied by the rare original letterpress dust jacket. It is heavily soiled and age-darkened, and there are significant losses and tears overall, some of which have been inexpertly repaired on the interior with celluloid tape. The green leather on the spine has discolored near the upper and lower edges, but remains intact, and the binding is tight. The volume's boards are in fair condition, with water spots, soiling, and rubbing at the extremities. The interior pages are lightly soiled, and exhibit moderate foxing and age-darkening. The plates are as follows: Westminster Abbey The Temple Waterloo Bridge Kingsway Hyde Park Corner St. Paul's from the River Trafalgar Square The Tower Bridge Paddington Canal Wapping Leicester Square Regent's Canal From Westminster Bridge Kensington Gardens, November The Tower On the Embankment Houses of Parliament London Bridge The British Lion St. Paul's, from Ludgate Circus
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.