[KEYNES, Geoffrey, Kt., and DAVIDSON, Peter, eds.]
A Watch of Nightingales [set of two volumes and prospectus]
London: The Stourton Press, 1981

First collected edition. Two octavo volumes (overall 22.5 x 16.8 cm, 8-7/8 x 6-5/8 in.), together with the quarto prospectus. No. XXIII of 40 numbered presentation copies signed by both editors, and no. 234 of 360 unsigned numbered copies. The presentation copy in quarter green morocco bound by Romilly Saumarez-Smith, spine lettered in gilt, the regular copy with white paper title-piece on spine lettered in black, over green and white patterned paper covers by Alan Powers with alternating diagonal bands of nightingales and leafy vines, all edges trimmed. Each volume collates 64 pp. plus two free blanks: [1 l.], 1 l. (half-title), 1 l. (title), 1 l. (contents), 5 ll. (editors’ introductions), 24 ll. (selections and colophon), [1 l.]. Both volumes fine; the prospectus very slightly creased, else fine. 41 selections on the theme of the Nightingale in the span of English literature from Geoffrey Chaucer to Walter de la Mare. Each volume with the engraved bookplate of Kenneth Garth Huston (1926-1987), discerning collector of Geoffrey Keynes material.

Price: $200 (the two volumes and prospectus)
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