The Gentlest Art and The Second Post: A Choice of Letters by Entertaining Hands
Lucas, E.V. (ed.)
London: Methuen & Co., 1925.
693 pp.; 17 × 11 × 3 cm
Hardcover (very good)

Gorgeous antique omnibus edition of two collections of letters edited by the English humourist and essayist Lucas: "The Gentlest Art" (1907) and "The Second Post" (1910). First issued in this form in 1925, as stated on reverse of the general title. "The Gentlest Art" is from the 1923 twelfth edition of "The Second Post" is from the 1919 sixth edition. Handsome antique rebinding by the celebrated bookbinders Sangorski & Sutcliffe of London. Decorated spine with five raised bands, although the leather has faded (albeit not unpleasantly) to brown along with the edges of the boards. Lovely marbled end papers and gilt page edges. Spine is dated 1923, ostensibly from the latest edition of "The Gentlest Art", though this book was published in 1925. Interior is clean and unmarked save for elegantly inked "D.K. from C.K." gift inscription with the date 30/12/30 on the flyleaf. A splendid little collection.