WOODCUTS

89pp, 4to; consisting of half-title, title, three-page introduction by Rylands, seventy-three page unpaginated facsimile of the main work on consecutive pages, and eleven pages (each with a blank reverse), each carrying a hand-coloured plate. On watermarked wove paper, with top edge gilt, and other edges deckled. Good, on aged paper (first and last pages dusty), in recent black-cloth quarter binding, with grey boards and white label on spine.

12mo (leaf dimensions 16.5 x 12 cm): 96 pp. In original blue printed wraps. Very good and tight, on lightly-aged art paper. Short closed tears at foot of back wrap, and at spine on front wrap and first leaf. Seven full-page engravings by Mate: 'Old Woman from Vologda', 'A Zyrianin', 'Father Varnava, the Monk', 'North Dvina River', 'Church in Putschega', 'Wooden Column in Putschega' and 'An Old Steward'; with three vignettes by eye-witnesses. The series of paintings was executed in Moscow in 1893. No copy at the British Library.

On a piece of paper, roughly 14 x 12 cm. Creased, and with a few pin holes (not affecting text). Edges untidily cut. Possibly the ffep of a presented book. Text in purple ink, with good firm signature (roughly 4.5 cm long). Reads 'To my very dear Friend | E. Bawden | [signed] Lionel Ellis | Siena May 1926'. The '6' in the date slightly cropped.

Small 8vo. 80 pages. Numerous woodcuts. In original grey printed wraps, with cloth spine. Internally good, with some light spotting and discoloration. Binding worn and grubby; front fep splitting. Ownership inscription. Interesting and informative introduction discusses 'the advance made in less than seventy years in popular art and literature'. Publisher's note (p.xxviii), 'The letter-press of the present volume exactly reproduces that of the original Christmas Box.