Description
Here is a wonderful version of “Little Journeys to the Homes of Eminent Artists: Thorwaldsen” with a wonderful Arts and Crafts dust jacket proclaming: I love you because you love the things I love.” Printed by the Roycrofters in East Aurora, New York in 1902. 6″ x 8″, about 30 pages. Bertel Thorvaldsen was a Danish sculptor of international fame and medalist, who spent most of his life (1797–1838) in Italy. Thorvaldsen was born in Copenhagen into a Danish/Icelandic family of humble means, and was accepted to the Royal Danish Academy of Art when he was eleven years old.
Book is in near fine condition. Exterior has two tiny white marks on cover, otherwise fine; interior is tight and clean. The dust jacket is near very good, a little chip at top of spine and “Thorwaldsen” written at bottom of rear cover. Overall quite clean and unusual in jacket. Sorry about the glare in the photos–it’s prettier in person.
The Roycroft press specialized in hand-made and hand-illumined books during the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Led by Elbert Hubbard, this was a semi-Utopian artist’s community where employees played the piano, took classes, and participated in sports as part of their daily onsite routine. Hubbard was a writer, philosopher, and astute businessman who has been both loved and vilified throughout the years. Despite his faults, there is no doubt that he produced beautiful books. Browse the Roycroft section of my store and see for yourself. As with my Oz inventory, I strive to keep a selection of unusual items in stock.
Hold a Roycroft book, and hold a moment in time.
