Doubt And Other Things by Elihu Vedder. First Edition, Published by Porter Sargent, 1922.
Association copy- came from the family of the author Elihu Vedder. Presentation copy, bearing an eight-line inscription to fellow Bostonian, Elton G. Cushman, and is signed by the publisher, Porter Sargent.
The inscription reads: “To my friend and fellow art-lover / Elton G. Cushman / in token of all he and / his colleagues are doing / to develop art appreciation / in America. // With every best wish for / the years to come – / Porter Sargent.”
This is a very good copy of this very rare book by illustrator and artist Elihu Vedder. In the years 1883 and 1884, Vedder created 54 compositions to accompany the 1884 edition of Khayyam’s Rubaiyat (published by Houghton, Mifflin) – drawings that serve as a harmonious frame for the text. Living in Rome at the time, Vedder also designed the book’s cloth-bound cover, lining papers and eccentric hand-drawn letters. With his Academic and yet “visionary” style, Vedder was the ideal artist to interpret the Rubaiyat; he reconciled the critics who called for accurate depiction of observed reality with those who argued for feeling and emotion over objective form.
This beautiful book is filled to the brim with the poetry and musings of Elihu Vedder, accompanied with many incredible illustrations on every page. Gain insight into the incredible mind of this artist and be inspired by his words and way of viewing the world.
Hardcover: Quarto, cream boards, old stratford rag paper (including an ‘old stratford’ watermark on the title pages), 289 pp. Gold gilt Title letters on the front.
Tipped-in color plates, black and white illustrations on every page. Interior is in fine condition. Book is in very good condition- exterior has wear on the hinges, front hinge is a bit loose. Boards & spine are in good condition. Light wear, light soiling. Protected in a mylar sleeve.
