Description
An interesting copy of one of the earliest titles from the Roycroft Shop, On Going to Church by George Bernard Shaw and pirated by Elbert Hubbard and published in 1896. What makes this copy special is that it has an original pen and ink and watercolor drawing in the front with a funky farmer captioned “Why Robert does not attend Church”. At first I thought the drawing might be by Oz illustrator W W Denslow, as it has some elements of his design, the writing looks similar to his, and 1896 was the year he started working with the Roycrofters. However, the face doesn’t look like his work and it’s unsigned, which would be unlike him. Wish I knew more about this story, as the drawing does look to be by a professional illustrator. But anyway, I’ve held onto this book for a long time and have decided to let it go to another collector.
This is a little book, 40 pages, 6 7/8″ x 4 1/2″. The front hinge is broken and the cloth spine is darkened and split about 1/2 way up. Interior is complete and with a bookplate for Archibald Firestone upside down on rear endpaper.
