Gregynog Press.) BRIDGES (Robert)

Eros and Psyche, a Poem in XII Measures.

      Newtown, Powys. , 1935 - ONE OF 285 NUMBERED COPIES (of an edition of 300 copies) this marked ‘Out of Series’, printed in black and red on Batchelor handmade paper, 24 wood-engravings by Loyd Haberly and John Beedham from original designs by Sir Edward Burne-Jones, the large initial letters designed by Graily Hewitt and printed in green, pp. [iv] (blanks), [viii], 143, [5] (blanks), lge. 4to., orig. white pigskin, backstrip gilt lettered and the four flat raised bands outlined in gilt, the gilt circle at the centre of the front cover enclosing a complex butterfly and floral design, some very minor offsetting to the covers from the fleece-lined box and slipcase as is usual, t.e.g., others untrimmed, matching white buckram fleece-lined box with cotton pull and the slipcase with printed label, near fine The engravings were selected by Loyd Haberly from a group of about seventy drawings executed by Sir Edward Burne-Jones and originally intended to illuminate Morris's poem ‘Cupid and Psyche’. Haberly redrew them and engraved five, John Beedham engraved the others. The book contains the first use of the Gregynog typeface, which met with mixed reactions; Newdigate praised the type and thought it magnificent, but his view appeared to be in a minority, and Hornby suggested it be used no more. Haberly was allowed to keep some of the type when he left Gregynog, and used it to better effect (some think) in his book ‘The Crowning Year’. (Harrop 33) [Attributes: Hard Cover]