Joseph Shaylor The Fascination of Books 1912 signed 1st essays bookselling trade

A signed 1st edition of this classic work in its field, a series of 18 essays from English bookseller and writer Joseph Shaylor (1844 - 1923), who spent more than six decades in the English book trade. The Fascination of Books : With Other Papers on Books & Bookselling', published by Simpkin Marshall Hamilton Kent & Co. In London in 1912, 1st edition, 8vo (7.5in x 5in), (xii) + 357 pages. Photographic frontispiece of the author.

Signed by the author at the front endpaper, an inscribed copy dedicated to an A Patterson Webb, who would seem to be Arthur of that name (1889 - 1959), an English minister, poet, author and editor; his books include' In A Nook With A Friend',' The Circling Hours' and' The Fragrant Weed'. Original dark blue publishers cloth binding titled and framed in gilt to the front board and spine. In very good condition, tightly and squarely bound, minor edge and corner wear, pushing to spine ends, light bump to rear lower edge. Internally in near very good condition, solid hinges, top edge gilt, no ownership inscriptions aside from historic dealer pencil notes at front endpaper, pages are clean and tidy, light spotting to fore-edge of text block, over-extension at p. 256 sees cracking at gutter (see photo 11). Multiple items - Please review my other listings to see if there are any other items which are of interest to you. I will be regularly listing items for sale, please save me as one of your favourite sellers for the future, thanks.

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