Songs of Innocence

by William Blake

LIMITED EDITION, 802/1600. This is a True Facsimile edition, designed with fine craftsmanship and a sharp eye for detail, to produce a book as close as possible to the c. 1790 book printed by Blake. 

ASSOCIATION COPY: This original book was owned by L.J. Rosenwald, who SIGNED this copy with a gift inscription. (more below)

London: The Trianon Press, 1954.

Hardback is overall in VERY GOOD- condition with VERY GOOD slipcase.

• Volume is quarter-bound in leather with gilt lettering on spine, and features matching slipcase with leather edges along opening.
• Book displays minor overall aging, with some pages detached inside.
• Covers exhibit minimal edge toning, and are remarkably well preserved overall.
• Spine title piece is dry and cracked, yet shoulders are unaffected.
• Binding is a bit shaken with many pages detached, including title page.
• All illustration plates are well preserved and vibrant.
• Interior shows little to no age-toning.
• Inside pages are free of writing and intentional marks.
• Textblock edges have gilt along head.
• Slipcase shows some rubbing along head and foot edges, as well as scuffs to leather along edges of opening.
• SC20200129

Unpaginated. Approx. 68 pages. 5.25 x 9 inches.

Volume is quarter-bound in leather, with gilt lettering on spine, and features matching slipcase.

Illuminated pages are reproductions of Blake's original artwork integrated elegantly with his poetry. 31 collotype plates were imprinted on a paper especially made to match Blake's paper, including his watermark monogram on each page.

William Blake's illustrated collection of poems shows his exceptional gifts not only as a poet but also as an illustrator, offering insight to the writing with his enigmatic, intriguing visual art. Songs of Innocence depicts our childhood condition, characterized by innocence and free of original sin, yet not immune to the deception and corruption of the fallen world and its institutions. 

William Blake (1757-1827) was an English poet, painter, and print maker. Although largely unrecognized in his lifetime, Blake is now considered a figure of key importance not only in art and literature but also in philosophy, as his works are layered with mystical or deeper meanings. The expressiveness and creativity of his works are recognized as part of both the Romantic and pre-Romantic movements.

EDITION POINTS: This Limited Edition is hand numbered as No. 802 of 1600 printed. Books numbered 800 to 1600 were distributed exclusively in the United States. This is a authentic Facsimile reproduced from the original c. 1790 book held by the Rosenwald Collection. See photo of colophon for more edition details.

PROVENANCE: Gift inscription is Signed by Lessing J. Rosenwald (1891-1979), an American businessman, a collector of rare books and art, a chess patron, and a philanthropist. He owned the original book that was reproduced for this limited edition, making this a very special Association Copy.

AS IS! Please see photos. More photos available upon request.

International first class shipping includes a handling charge to cover insurance.

Domestic orders over $250 include a handling charge to cover signature confirmation.

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