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Robert Louis Stevenson — A Child’s Garden of VersesWith Nine Poems Not Published in Prior EditionsThe Press in Tuscany Alley, 1978Signed Limited Edition | Adrian Wilson & Joyce Lancaster Wilson | Prospectus Included
A beautiful signed limited edition of Robert Louis Stevenson’s beloved A Child’s Garden of Verses, printed in San Francisco by Adrian Wilson at The Press in Tuscany Alley and illustrated throughout with color woodcuts by Joyce Lancaster Wilson.
Published in 1978 in an edition of only 500 numbered copies, this is copy number 88, signed in the colophon by both Adrian Wilson and Joyce Lancaster Wilson.
This edition is especially notable for including nine Stevenson poems not published in prior editions, making it a distinctive and collectible version of one of the great classics of children’s literature.
A Fine Press Production
This is not a trade edition, but a carefully designed private-press book from one of the important San Francisco fine-press printers of the late 20th century.
Adrian Wilson was a distinguished book designer, printer, typographer, and historian of the book, later named a MacArthur Fellow in 1983.
The book was printed at The Press in Tuscany Alley, one of San Francisco’s notable private presses. The production features:
Centaur and Arrighi types
Typesetting by the Mackenzie-Harris Corporation
Printed on Arches Laid Text paper
Printed on a Colt’s Armory press
Bound by the Schuberth Bookbindery
Dealer descriptions confirm the edition was limited to 500 copies, with 300 bound by Schuberth and the remaining 200 issued in folded gatherings for hand binders.
Illustrations by Joyce Lancaster Wilson
The visual appeal of the book is exceptional. Joyce Lancaster Wilson’s illustrations are printed in color and beautifully integrated with the text.
Includes:
Nine full-page color illustrations, including the frontispiece
Two tailpieces
Thirty-eight decorative initials printed in color
The result is a richly designed and highly attractive fine-press edition, combining Stevenson’s verse with a sophisticated Arts & Crafts / private-press sensibility.
Signed Colophon
The colophon is signed by both:
Adrian Wilson, printer
Joyce Lancaster Wilson, illustrator
Signed copies are especially desirable to collectors of private press books, San Francisco printing, modern book arts, and illustrated Stevenson editions.
Original Prospectus & Order Form Included
This copy also includes the original publisher’s prospectus and order form, an excellent addition for collectors.
The prospectus is desirable in its own right; separate examples have been offered for around $50, so its presence adds completeness and collector appeal.
Bibliographic Details
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
Title: A Child’s Garden of Verses: With Nine Poems Not Published in Prior Editions
Introduction: Janet Adam Smith
Illustrator: Joyce Lancaster Wilson
Printer: Adrian Wilson
Press: The Press in Tuscany Alley
Place: San Francisco
Date: 1978
Edition: Limited edition of 500 numbered copies
Copy: Number 88
Signed: Signed by Adrian Wilson and Joyce Lancaster Wilson
Format: Octavo
Pagination: 114 pages
Binding: Publisher’s fine press binding by Schuberth Bookbindery
Extras: Original prospectus and order form included
Condition
Fine condition.
Book is clean, bright, and very well preserved. Binding attractive and sound. Interior pages clean. Illustrations fresh and vivid. Prospectus and order form retained.
Please review photos carefully, as they form part of the condition description.
Why This Copy Is Desirable
Fine press edition from The Press in Tuscany Alley
Printed by Adrian Wilson, later a MacArthur Fellow
Illustrated by Joyce Lancaster Wilson
Signed by both printer and illustrator
Limited to 500 numbered copies
This is copy number 88
Includes nine Stevenson poems not published in prior editions
Color woodcut illustrations, initials, and tailpieces throughout
Bound by Schuberth Bookbindery
Original prospectus and order form included
Excellent condition
A superb copy of one of the most attractive modern fine-press editions of A Child’s Garden of Verses, with strong appeal to collectors of Robert Louis Stevenson, private press books, San Francisco printing, Adrian Wilson, Joyce Lancaster Wilson, and illustrated children’s literature.
