RUSKIN, JOHN. Of Kings' Treasuries. WITH Autographed Letter to William Ward. George Allen, Printed at the Ballantyne Press, London, 1902.

Price: US$526.60 + shipping

Condition: Very Good

Description: Octavo. Full vellum covers, gilt spine lettering. Printed in black with red initial letters and surrounded with a floral border, much in the Kelmscott style. Pp. 99 (includes Index). Lacks the ribbon ties at the fore-edge, covers bowed as usual, otherwise exceptionally clean, bright, and crisp. INCLUDES a handwritten, signed note from the author to William Ward, his friend, assistant, student-turned-teacher, artist. Written on Joynson Superfine laid paper, no letterhead, no date other than "Thursday" : "Dear Ward, I do hope to be at the National Gallery by two o'clock tomorrow - but if its pitch dark I won't come - and in that case, will be early then on Monday, which dark or light must befriend. Every affectionately yours, J. Ruskin." By King's Treasuries, Ruskin means the best books written by the most brilliant authors and not other material things. The whole of the lecture is about books and the way to read them.

Seller: Karol Krysik Books ABAC/ILAB, IOBA, PBFA, Toronto, ON, Canada