Lot 30A
Whistler, James Abbott McNeill - Way, T.R. & Dennis, G.R.
Auction: 10 June 2009 at 12:00 BST
Description
The art of J. McNeill Whistler. London: George Bell and sons, 1903. 8vo, colour plates, two tipped in autograph letters in the front from the authors to the owner, a further three tipped in autograph letters at the rear, the first from G.A. Stoney, dated 1902, the second from J. McNeill Whistler to the publishers George Bell & Sons, dated Oct 30th 1902, "I learn by letter to Mrs Arthur Bell... that you are contemplating the publication of a book.. without in anyway consulting my wishes... I need not say that I have great difficulty in believing that a distinguished firm like yourselves could dream of proceeding with so little courtsey, and in this furtive manner...", the third letter is a copy from the publishers in return, dated 1st Nov 1902, headed paper, "We did not consider it necessary to trouble you in the matter any more that we should have written to Lord Salisbury or the Czar of Russia... one of the debts which those who attain eminence have to pay is that they are considered fitting subjects for discussion by the smaller people by whom they are surrounded.", original cloth gilt, rubbed at edges, foxing throughout
Footnote
Provenance: Bookplate of George Charles Williamson.