Swan's Fine Books

I am SUCH a sucker for a pretty title page! This copper engraving after the design on the inside of the Dionysus Cup adorns the title page for the 1923 special edition of "Die Philosophie im Tragischen Zeitalter der Griechen" by Nietzsche. Come sail away with me across the ocean... #copperengraving #dionysus #nietzsche #vintagebooks #prettybooks #booksellersofinstagram #bookstagram

In 1782 H.M. Ship Royal George sank with the loss of 800 lives. It took 10 years to build her, which was completed in 1756, and at the time she was the largest warship in the world with 100 guns. The stories of the men who witnessed the sinking and subsequent efforts to raise her are recounted in this 64mo size book (3.5 inches tall) published in 1841 and bound in (swipe to see) wood boards from the wreckage! With four detailed cuts, swipe for sample. See it in our booth at the upcoming California ABAA Virtual Book Fair, March 4 through 6. #cabookfair #miniaturebooks #miniaturemonday #britishnavy #royalgeorge #shipwreck #sinking #rarebooks #booksellersofinstagram #bookstagram

The most glorious initial capital ever created: a "careful adaptation from an initial actually designed by [Antoine] Verard". It graces the sectional half-title for "Joan the Maid of Orleans" printed by the inimitable Grabhorn Press in 1938. No matter how many times I look at this I never tire of it.... #finepress #grabhornpress #saintjoan #saintjoanofarc #saints #initialcapital #verard #vintagebooks #booksellersofinstagram #bookstagram

"Under yonder beech-tree single on the green-sward, Couched with her arms behind her golden head, Knees and tresses folded to slip and ripple idly, Lies my young love sleeping in the shade. Had I the heart to slide an arm beneath her, Press her parting lips as her waist I gather slow, Waking in amazement she could not but embrace me: Then would she hold me and never let me go?" "Love in the Valley" by George Meredith (1828-1909), this wood-engraved illustration by publisher Simon King; swipe for the lovely paste-paper boards. #woodengravings #illustrations #poetry #georgemeredith #pastepaper #finepress #limitededition #beautifulbooks #bookstoresofinstagram #bookstagram

The artwork of Harry Clarke (1890-1931) was influenced by his father's trade as a stained-glassmaker, and is often compared to that of Aubrey Beardsley, Kay Nielson, and Edmund Dulac. This the deluxe signed version of "The Year's At The Spring" bound in full vellum; swipe for three sample illustrations. "And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow." Look for it in our virtual booth at the upcoming ABAA California Virtual Book Fair! #beautifulbooks #rarebooks #harryclarke #illustrations #cabookfair #vellumbinding #booksellersofinstagram #bookstagram

A #prettybinding for #publishersbindingthursday ! This volume was awarded to "A Burn, V Class Examination Prize, April 1933" according to a note on the front free endpaper. Congratulations to A. Burn! #schoolprize #prizebinding #schoolawards #beautifulbookcovers #beautifulbooks #england #celtic #vintagebooks #booksellersofinstagram #bookstagram