2 bound vols. Vols. I-II (each with 4 issues). vi, 160 + [3] ad pp.; viii, 160, [20] pp. Illustrated with 8 plates from etchings, lithographs, gravures, etc.; 8 woodcut plates (including the title page for each volume by Selwyn Image); 1 folding facsimile plate for Blake's "Little Tom the Sailor" with 2 woodcuts; other facsimiles; plus numerous wood-engraved initials, tail & headpieces throughout designed by Selwyn Image and cut by C. M. Padday. (4to) 12x9, parchment-backed blue paper-covered boards, woodcut design on front boards, Vol. I with untrimmed edges.
The Century Guild of Artists was founded by Arthur Mackmurdo and Selwyn Image. This was the first of many magazines of the arts that gained enormous success during the mid-to-late 1880’s showcasing the British art nouveau style. Contributions by: Herbert Horne, Selwyn Image, Arthur Mackmurdo, facsimile of William Blake’s broadsheet for “Little Tom the Sailor,” Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Oscar Wilde, Christina G. Rossetti, Matthew Arnold, John Addington Symonds, Victor Hugo, John Ruskin and others. Printed in Caslon Old Style types on wide-margined handmade paper.
Condition:
Corners and spine ends somewhat bumped, soiling and slight discoloration spots to boards, spines a bit darkened; Vol. I with light foxing to endpapers and with tender hinges; Vol. II with offsetting to free endpapers and a couple plates with some mildew wear; else a very good set.