I am very pleased to be able to draw the attention of admirers of Austin Osman Spare to a sale by Weiser Antiquarian Books of some really significant items:
Welcome to this, our fourth Internet catalog. As the title suggests it is devoted to books by and about Austin Osman Spare (1886-1956). Many reading this will know that May 15, 2006 marks the fiftieth anniversary of the death of this extraordinarily talented individual, and it is perhaps fitting that the issue of this catalog – which includes examples of most of his published work along with many significant studies of his life, art and magic – should coincide with that milestone.
In particular we are pleased to offer an unusually good selection of Spare’s first editions, the majority of which were privately published in beautifully produced limited-edition printings, and are, of course, resplendent with his beguiling illustrations and profound and challenging text. The growth of interest in Spare over the last several decades has also witnessed the publication of a number of new books which focus on Spare and his art, notably by the specialist press Fulgur, and a good selection of these beautifully illustrated works is also available.
Read on for the full list…
Weiser Antiquarian Books Catalog # 4. – Books by and about Austin Osman Spare: Artist & Magician.
An illustrated version of this catalog, with numerous photographs, can be found at: http://www.weiserantiquarian.com/catalog/
Welcome to this, our fourth Internet catalog. As the title suggests it is devoted to books by and about Austin Osman Spare (1886-1956). Many reading this will know that May 15, 2006 marks the fiftieth anniversary of the death of this extraordinarily talented individual, and it is perhaps fitting that the issue of this catalog – which includes examples of most of his published work along with many significant studies of his life, art and magic – should coincide with that milestone.
In particular we are pleased to offer an unusually good selection of Spare’s first editions, the majority of which were privately published in beautifully produced limited-edition printings, and are, of course, resplendent with his beguiling illustrations and profound and challenging text. The growth of interest in Spare over the last several decades has also witnessed the publication of a number of new books which focus on Spare and his art, notably by the specialist press Fulgur, and a good selection of these beautifully illustrated works is also available.
This catalog is in three sections:
a) First and Early Editions by Austin Osman Spare.
b) Posthumous Works and Reprints.
c) Biographical and Artistic Studies, Exhibition Catalogs, etc.
Further information about this catalog, and how to purchase books from it, as well as links to our previous catalogs can be found at the end of the listings.
Our next catalog will again focus on the works of Aleister Crowley. In the meantime you can also visit our website: http://www.weiserantiquarian.com where we currently have over 13,000 books listed, with new stock added weekly.
a) First and Early Editions by Austin Osman Spare.
Austin Osman Spare, Anathema of Zos. The Sermon to the Hypocrites. An Automatic Writing. London: Privately Published, 1927. First edition. Softcover, Small Quarto, 12″ x 9.” 22 pp. Original plain brown paper wrappers, with string tie. Frontis and title page vignette. Harper A5b. Edition limited to 100 signed and numbered copies of which this is number 57 (there was also a deluxe edition bound in vellum ). The First Edition of Spare’s acerbic attack on the artistic establishment and its hangers-on – its publication practically guaranteed that he would be condemned to the margins of the art-world during his lifetime. A little light wear to the wrappers, otherwise an unusually clean, VG+ copy . (26044) $1,650.00
Austin Osman Spare, The Book of Pleasure (Self-Love) The Psychology of Ecstasy. London: Published by Author, 1913. First edition. Original black limp cloth boards, lettered across front in white. Small folio (15.5″ x 10″), (iv) + 60pp. Nine full page halftone illustrations and numerous smaller illustrations throughout. Spare’s magical Magnum Opus in which he set forth for the first time his system of talismanic magic. According to Harper’s “Notes Towards a Bibliography of Austin Osman Spare” the edition was limited to approx. 800 copies (Harper A3 a). Top of spine lightly bumped and creased, other corners bruised, pages a little yellowed, still a VG copy. (no dustjacket, none issued) (26045) $1,750.00
Austin Osman Spare, (Introduction by James Guthrie). A Book Of Satyrs. London: Co-operative Printing Society Limited, 1907. First Edition, Limited. Hardcover. Folio. (ii + 28 + iipp.) Edition Limited to 300 signed and numbered copies – this copy out-of-series (NOT signed or numbered). Rebound (circa 1920s?) in magnificent half leather binding – brown leather spine and corners over gray cloth by Sangorski and Sutcliffe (one of the greatest British binderies – and one of those favored by Crowley when in funds!). Title in gilt down spine, within gilt stamped raised bands, marbled endpapers. Text printed on thick laid paper. Decorative title page plus reproductions of eleven full-page black and white line drawings, as well as a number of smaller decorations. Introduction by James Guthrie. The First Edition of Spare’s second-published book. Harper 2A. The binding itself has a hint of superficial wear, but is still near fine. It is true craftsmanship – they have even added tissue guards for each of the plates, which means that this is probably one of the few copies to survive that doesn’t suffer from serious offsetting (there is still a little offsetting from the plates onto the blank versos of the facing pages – this presumably predates the insertion of the tissue guards!). Internally the book is VG. There are a few small finger smudges on the preliminaries, and the barest hint of spotting: mostly confined to the endpapers. Edges dusty, but still, the text is unusually clean for a book that often suffers badly from offsetting and foxing. A magnificently bound copy of a rare work. (25946) $1100.00
Austin Osman Spare, (Introduction by James Guthrie). A Book Of Satyrs. London: Co-operative Printing Society Limited, 1907. First Edition, Limited. Hardcover. Folio. (28pp.) Edition Limited to 300 signed and numbered copies – this copy signed by Spare, but rather than being numbered, the space has been marked with a rough triangle of three dots (somewhat reminiscent of the ‘fire-dots’ used in the titles of some mystical or Masonic fraternities: such as Aleister Crowley’s A.: A.:). Original buff paper covered-boards with title and decorative device on front cover. Text printed on thick laid paper. Decorative title page plus reproductions of eleven full-page black and white line drawings, as well as a number of smaller decorations. Introduction by James Guthrie. The First Edition of Spare’s second-published book. Harper A2a. The (fragile) vellum backstrip and corners have been sympathetically replaced with a modern composite material, which preserves the look of the original whilst giving strength. The paper-covered boards are quite rubbed, and with some blemishes. There is light, coffee-colored match-box sized stain at the very top of the inner margin, not effecting the images. As always there has been a little offsetting from the plates onto the (blank) versos of the facing pages. Edges dusty. There is some light foxing, and a few light finger marks to the preliminaries. Still a near-VG sound copy of a scarce work. (25947) $1,450.00
Austin Osman Spare, Edited by Frederick Carter and with an introduction by Francis Marsden. The Focus of Life. The Mutterings of Aaos. London: The Morland Press, 1921. First Edition. Hardcover. Small Quarto. xii + 44pp (plus 11 plates). Original buff colored boards with white buckram spine, with title lettered in black down spine. A philosophical tirade with eleven full page black and white illustrations. Harper A4b – according to Harper there were only 600 copies of this edition printed, and it was sometimes advertised by Spare as a ‘limited edition.’ There was also a specially bound etc. edition deluxe of 50 copies (Harper A4a). Boards somewhat discolored and rubbed – particularly at edges – spine a little grubby. A little shaken, pages very lightly toned, still an internally clean and unmarked copy of an increasingly difficult-to-find work. (25933) $1,400.00
Austin Osman Spare & Clifford Bax (Edit & Contribute to). The Golden Hind a Quarterly Magazine of Art and Literature, Volume One, Numbers 1, 2; 3; and 4. London, England: Chapman & Hall, October 1922 – July 1923. First edition. Softcovers, Folios (15 x 11 inches) iv + 48 pp, iv + 40 pp, 40 pp, 40 pp. Original decorative printed wrappers. A complete run of the four issues (Numbers 1, 2; 3; and 4, October 1922 – July 1923) which make up the First Volume of the famous Golden Hind literary journal. Each issue of The Golden Hind contained a mixture of prose, poetry, and artwork. Authors included W. H. Davies, Aldous Huxley, Rabidranath Tagore, Havelock Ellis, etc. and artists including Alastair, Frank Brangwyn, Robert Gibbings, Nora Wright, Jack B. Yeats and of course Spare, whose work is generously represented. Issue No. 1 reproduces pen drawings of Spare’s on pp. 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 31 & 32, and a magnificent double page lithograph (‘The New Eden’) over pages 44-45. No. 2 reproduces a pen drawing on p. 25 and a lithograph on p. 32. No. 3 reproduces a pen drawing on p. 4, and a double page lithograph (untitled) over pages 36-37. No. 4 reproduces two bookplate designs on pp. 6 –7. A sumptuous production, beautifully printed on quality paper. As often the buff colored wrappers are somewhat soiled and rubbed, and the edges, which overlap the text block, are worn, but without chips or tears. Some foxing to the preliminaries and final leaves of issue number one, all else are in VG + condition, with just the occasional hint of discoloration. (18956) $925.00
[Austin Osman Spare illustrates] Charles F. Grindrod, Songs From the Classics. Second Series. London: David Nutt, 1907. First Edition. Hardcover. 8vo. xii + 218pp. Original cloth, gilt titling on spine, black stamped decorative design on front board. Contains 2 full page illustrations, decorated half-title, and 19 head and tail pieces by Spare. Harper C6. Cloth a little rubbed at head and tail of spine, and at points, previous owner’s name neatly printed across front pastedown, otherwise a VG+ copy of a surprisingly difficult to find work. (25939) $275.00
b) Posthumous Works and Reprints.
James Bertram and F. Russell [ Ills. by Austin Osman Spare ]. The Starlit Mire. Brighton, England: Temple Press, 1989. Limited Edition Facsimile. Hardcover. 8vo. viii + 62pp., Original forest green cloth binding with gilt-stamped title and device on front board & spine. Edition limited to 500 numbered copies, of which this is number 291 (the first 23 copies were issued with a slip case: this copy NOT with slipcase). A facsimile of the original 1911 edition. A collection of aphorisms by Bertram and Russell, accompanied by reproductions of ten full page black and white line drawings (each with tissue-guards) by Spare. A fine copy. (17541) $65.00
James Bertram and F. Russell [ Ills. by Austin Osman Spare ]. The Starlit Mire. Thames, England: I-H-O Books, 2003. Facsimile Edition. Softcover., sm.4to, 72 pp. Nicely produced facsimile of a book originally published in 1911. Frontis, illustrations. New book/fine condition. (21545) $22.00
Austin Osman Spare, Anathema of Zos The Sermon to the Hypocrites, An Automatic Writing. Cincinnati, Ohio: Black Moon, 1985. Facsimile Edition. Softcover. Quarto. Paper wrappers, 22 pp. A facsimile of the original 1927 edition with a new preface by Louis Martinie. Fine. (25130) $25.00
Austin Osman Spare, Anathema of Zos. The Sermon to the Hypocrites, An Automatic Writing. London, : Neptune Press, 1976. Facsimile Edition, Limited. Softcover. wrappers, Large Quarto. 22 pp. Edition limited to 500 numbered copies of which this is No. 160. A facsimile of the original 1927. This edition is nicely produced on thick paper, in plain thick gray paper wrappers, much like the original. A little bumped at all corners, otherwise near-fine. (25400) $50.00
Austin Osman Spare and Frederic Carter. Automatic Drawing. South Stukely, Quebec : 93 Publishing Ltd. , 1979. Second Printing of Second Edition. Softcover. Folio. (16pp.) Original red-brown thick card wrappers with black title and decorations on front wrapper. Text on heavy art stock. A facsimile of an article on ‘automatic drawing’ by Spare and Carter which was originally published in Form Magazine in April 1916. It had its first separate publication by 93 Publishing in 1977, this second reprint was done (in an edition of 250 copies) in 1979. Black and white line drawings. Small rubbed section on lower left corner of front wrapper, otherwise fine. (25935) $85.00
Austin Osman Spare, (Introduction by Ian Law). A Book of Automatic Drawings. London, England: Catalpa Press , 1972. First Edition – limited. Softcover. Folio. (40pp.) Original gray card wrappers with light brown printed paper title label on front wrapper. Text on heavy art stock. According to the limitation page this edition was limited to 1000 individually numbered copies, however Spare’s bibliographer suggests that only about 600 copies were actually issued – 500 softcovers thus, and 100 in hardcovers (Harper A6b). The first publication of Spare’s ‘A Book of Automatic Drawing,’ a work he originally completed in 1925, but which remained unpublished until this edition. Light edge-wear to wrappers, otherwise near Fine. (17518) $150.00
Austin Osman Spare, (Introduction by Ian Law). A Book of Automatic Drawings. London, England: Catalpa Press , 1972. First Edition – Limited. Hardcover, Folio. (40pp.) Original cloth spine with gray paper-covered with light brown printed paper title label on front wrapper. Text on heavy art stock. According to the limitation page this edition was limited to 1000 individually numbered copies, however Spare’s bibliographer suggests that only about 100 copies of this hardcover issue were actually produced. (Harper A6b) . Decorative title, contents and end pages, plus reproductions of twelve full-page black and white line drawings (the illustration on the penultimate page is printed in black and green, that on the last page in black and brown). Two-page introduction by Ian Law. Boards rather discolored and marked with some rubbing to the edges, internals bright and clean. (11770) $200.00
Austin Osman Spare, (Introduction by Ian Law). A Book of Automatic Drawings. London, England: Catalpa Press , 1972. First Edition. Folio. (40pp.) A set of unbound sheets printed on hand made paper of the special edition of Spare’s A Book of Automatic Drawings, along with a cancelled check SIGNED twice by Spare, all housed in an archival cardboard box, with paper title label. According to the limitation page 200 numbered copies of this edition were produced, printed on handmade paper and ‘signed by way of a personal cheque.’ The intention was that they would be sold bound in quarter goat skin, however only a small number were actually issued thus due to the untimely death of one of the publishers. (Harper A6b) A number of sets of unbound sheets, with the signed check, nonetheless survived. This is one of those. The quality of reproductions of the huge full page illustrations is even better than in the normal edition (thanks to the handmade paper) and they would be suitable for framing – although it would be a shame to separate them. Fine condition. (26046) $500.00
Austin Osman Spare, (with Introductions by Kenneth Grant & Ernest H. R. Collings). The Book of Pleasure (Self-Love). The Psychology of Ecstasy. Montreal, Canada: 93 Publishing, 1975. First Edition Thus. Hardcover, folio, xii + 60 pp, black cloth, white title, etc. to spine and front cover, white dust jacket, many black and white illustrations, Edition limited to 1,000 numbered copies – this copy un-numbered. Arguably one of the most important and innovative occult works of the twentieth century, with a new introduction by Spare’s friend, Kenneth Grant. Harper A3b. About Fine in VG dustjacket (a little creased at the edges and spine somewhat darkened, panels a little yellowed ) (10437) $385.00
Austin Osman Spare, A Book Of Satyrs. South Stukely, Quebec : 93 Publishing Ltd. , 1979. Facsimile Edition. Softcover. Folio. (36pp.) Facsimile Limited Edition (edition not stated but apparently 500 copies). Original olive green thick card wrappers with black title and decorations on front wrapper. Text on heavy art stock. Decorative title page plus reproductions of thirteen full-page black and white line drawings, as well as a number of smaller decorations. Two-page introduction by James Guthrie. A facsimile reprint of the Second Edition of Spare’s ‘A Book Satyrs’ (the second edition, published in 1909, contained an extra plate not included in the first edition of 1907, as well as some changes of layout). Hint of bumping to the corners, otherwise Fine. (25428) $125.00
Austin Osman Spare, (Translated by Roberto Migliussi). Un Libro di Satiri di Austin Osman Spare. Livorno, Italy: Privately Printed, 1997. Italian edition. Softcover, stiff wrappers, Small 4to, 32 pp, illustrations, Italian text, limited and numbered edition of 400 copies. An Italian translation of Spare’s A Book of Satyrs. Very good reproductions of the original illustrations. Wrappers just a little dusty, and extreme edge of bottom corner bumped, otherwise Fine. (25416) $60.00
Austin Osman Spare, The Book of Ugly Ecstasy. London, England: Fulgur, 1996. Hardcover. Tall Quarto. Approx 52pp. Color frontis. and 25 full page black and white plates. The first publication of a suite of automatic drawings from one of Spare’s sketchbooks, accompanied by introductory essay by Robert Ansell and an excerpt from Spare’s work The Logomarchy. Fine in Fine dustjacket. (25136) $75.00
Austin Osman Spare, The Book of Ugly Ecstasy. London, England: Fulgur, 1996. First edition. Hardcover. Tall Quarto. Approx 52pp. Color frontis. and 25 full page black and white plates. Signed. The book has been ‘posthumously signed’ by Spare, by having a slip of paper with his signature on it (probably cut from a check) pasted onto the title page. Fine in slightly marked dustjacket. (25925) $175.00
Austin Osman Spare, (author and illustrator) Edited by Frederick Carter and with introductions by Francis Marsden and Stephen Skinner. The Focus of Life. The Mutterings of Aaos. London: Askin Publishers, 1976. Facsimile Edition, Limited. Hardcover. Small Quarto. xii + 44pp (plus 11 plates). Original blue cloth boards with gilt title down spine. Edition limited to 500 numbered copies, of which this is number 448. Eleven full page black and white illustrations by Spare. A facsimile edition of Spare’s philosophical tirade originally published in 1921, with a new introduction by Stephen Skinner. One crease across the margin of the plate facing p. 34, and the dustjacket has had permanent clear plastic protective sheeting applied to it by a previous owner (been ‘laminated’). All else VG + (17544) $150.00
Austin Osman Spare, (Edited by Frederick Carter. Introduced by Francis Marsden. Foreword to this edition by Dennis Bardens). The Focus of Life. Thame, England: I-H-O Books, 2000. Third Printing. Softcover, sm.4to, 148 pp, color frontis, illustrations. A new edition with a biographical preface by Spare’s friend Denis Bardens and two color plates not used in the original. New book / fine condition. (21666) $25.00
Austin Osman Spare, (Edited and Compiled by Anthony Naylor) Text by F. W. Letchford; Dr. W. Wallace and others. From the Inferno to Zos (3 Volumes) Volume 1: The Writings and Images of Austin Osman Spare by F. W. Letchford; Volume 2: The Artist’s Books (1905 – 1927) by Dr. W. Wallace with Foreword by Prof. R. Cardinal; Volume 3: Michelangelo in a Teacup by F. W. Letchford. Seattle & Thame: First Impressions, 1993-1995. First editions. Hardcovers, three large volumes, small folios, un-paginated (approx. 900 pp), b/w illustrations, black publisher’s cloth with gilt title and line portrait of Spare to spine and cover, marbled end papers. A spectacular collection of Spare’s art and writings, heavily illustrated and with additional material by Frank Letchford, Clive Harper, William Wallace, others. New books. Fine condition, no dustjackets, none issued. (19526) $650.00
Austin Osman Spare, & Aleister Crowley Introduction by Frederick Carter and an Essay by Keith Richmond. Now For Reality. London: Mandrake Press, 1990. Limited Edition. Hardcover. Large Quarto. 78pp. Black and white illustrations. Edition limited to 1000 numbered copies. This copy signed by the editor, Keith Richmond. The text and illustrations of Spare’s ‘The Focus Of Life’ together with the first publication of a series of poems that Aleister Crowley later wrote to accompany the book. Fine in fine dustjacket. (1336) $75.00
Austin Osman Spare, (Introductory Essay by Gavin W. Semple). Two Tracts on Cartomancy. London, England: Fulgur, 1997. First edition. Softcover. Printed dustjacket over plain card wrappers. 8vo, 38 pp, Illustrations. Near fine condition. Included with the volume is a facsimile set of Spare’s ‘Surrealist Racing Forecast Cards’ also Fine in their envelope. (17939) $50.00
c) Biographical and Artistic Studies, Exhibition Catalogs, etc.
Robert Ansell & Gavin W Semple. Austin Osman Spare (1856 – 1956) A Retrospective Exhibition. (31st October – 14th November). To celebrate the launch of The Witches’ Sabbath and Axiomata, London: Fulgur, 1992. First Edition. Softcover. Small stapled booklet (41/2″ x 53/4″) 24pp. Thick dark green paper wrappers, with paper title label. Printed on antique hand-made paper. Limited to 333 copies. Catalogue for an exhibition held to accompany the launch of the ill-fated ‘Axiomata and The Witches’ Sabbath,’ which was held at the Henry Boxer Gallery in London. A little light foxing, otherwise fine. (25940) $65.00
Robert Ansell, (introduces etc.) Borough Satyr: The Life and Art of Austin Osman Spare. London, England: Fulgur, 2005. First edition – Hardcover. Oblong Quarto, 12in. x 9 3/4in., (viii) + 86 + (viii) pp, Original cloth with white lettering to spine and blind-stamped device on front board. This hardbound issue limited to 500 numbered copies. (There was also a softcover issue, as well as a special signed issue) Profusely illustrated with magnificent color plates throughout. Borough Satyr was published to accompany an exhibition of Spare’s work held at The Maas Gallery in London, in 2005. Aside from glorious reproductions of art works by Spare it includes a biographical introduction by Robert Ansell, and essays and reminiscences of Spare by Clifford Bax, Ithell Colquhoun, Kenneth and Steffi Grant, Hadyn Mackay, John Smith Hannen Swaffer, and others. New book. Fine in Fine dustjacket. (25417) $120.00
Robert Ansell, (introduces etc.) Borough Satyr: The Life and Art of Austin Osman Spare. Borough Satyr: The Life and Art of Austin Osman Spare. London, England: Fulgur, 2005. First edition – Limited.. Softcover. Oblong Quarto, 12in. x 9 3/4in., (viii) + 86 + (viii) pp, Original decorated wrappers. This edition limited to 961 numbered copies. The softcover edition of this beautifully produced work. Fine. (25418) $58.00
Geraldine Beskin & John Bonner (edit etc) Austin Osman Spare: Artist – Occultist – Sensualist. London, England: Beskin Press, 1999. First edition. Pictorial colored wrappers. Quarto. 70pp. Color & black and white plates & text vignettes. Fine condition. A beautifully-produced cataloge to accompany the exhibition of Spare’s art at Marx House, Clerkenwell, London, 9-22 August 1999. Includes essays on aspects of Spare’s life, art and magic by John Balance, Roy Curtis-Bramwell, Marcus Jungkurth, Frank Letchford, Keith Richmond (signed by Keith Richmond at close of his essay), Sunny Shah and Michael Staley. The catalogue reproduces 54 of Spare’s artworks, with sixteen pages in color. The selection covers a stunning variety of styles and media taken from various periods in the artist’s career. New. Fine condition. (20287) $35.00
Geraldine Beskin & John Bonner (edit etc) Austin Osman Spare, 1886-1956: The Divine Draughtsman. An Appreciation of the Man, the Artist and the Magician. London, England: Beskin Press, 1987. First edition. Pictorial colored wrappers. Quarto. 36pp. Color & black and white plates & text vignettes. Fine condition. A beautifully-produced catalogue to accompany the exhibition of Spare’s art at the Morley Gallery, London, in September 1987. Includes essays on aspects of Spare’s life, art and magic by Ian Law, Genesis P-Orridge, and Lionel Snell. The selection covers a stunning variety of styles and media taken from various periods in the artist’s career, with a number not reproduced before or since. Four page exhibition catalogue (effectively a list of the works on display) loosely inserted at rear. A little light shelf-wear, otherwise a near-fine copy. (25399) $85.00
[Ramsey Dukes, AKA Lionel Snell] Anonymous SSOTBME: An Essay on Magic. Petersham, England: Nigel Gray-Turner, 1979. First edition thus. Softcover, 8vo, 96pp, Original printed wrappers, with Spare illustration. Book illustrated with black & white reproductions of Spare works from the Book of Satyrs. An interesting – and well-regarded – work on magic and its relationship with art, science, and just about everything else by one of the pioneers of Chaos Magick. Hint of foxing to edges, very light wear to wrappers, still VG. (6896) $35.00
Kenneth Grant, Images and Oracles of Austin Osman Spare. New York, NY: Samuel Weiser, Inc., 1975. First edition. Hardcover , Oblong quarto (10 x 12.5 inches), 96 pp. with index, heavily illustrated, cloth with gilt title etc to spine. The first US edition of what is perhaps still the best and clearest exploration of Spare and his magical thought. It comprises ” a biographical essay that includes many personal recollections, a practical introduction to Spare’s unusual system of sorcery – and many excerpts from his final magical treatise: The Zoetic Grimoire of Zos” as well as striking reproductions of a number of his artworks. Corners and head and tail of spine very lightly bruised, otherwise a VG+ copy in VG+ price-clipped dustjacket (a little creased at head of spine and points, but NO chips or tears) (7892) $225.00
Kenneth & Steffi Grant; Images and Oracles of Austin Osman Spare. London, England: Fulgur, 2003. (Revised Edition – Limited). Hardcover. Oblong Quarto, 12in. x 10in., 98 pp, Original cloth. This hardbound issue limited to 500 numbered copies. (There was also a softcover issue, as well as a special signed issue) Profusely illustrated, cover printed in red and black, frontispiece printed in brown ink. A reprint of the original 1975 Edition with an additional new Preface by Kenneth Grant. New book. Fine in Fine dustjacket. (11332) $150.00
Kenneth & Steffi Grant; Images and Oracles of Austin Osman Spare. London, England: Fulgur, 2003. Revised reprint of 1975 Edition. Softcover, oblong quarto, 12in. x 10in., glossy pictorial wrappers, 98 pp, profusely illustrated, frontispiece printed in brown ink, some text in red. The softcover edition. New Book/fine condition. (13139) $37.50
Kenneth & Steffi Grant, (Translated by Roberto Migliussi) Immagini e Oracoli di Austin Osman Spare. Pontedera, Italy: Privately Printed, 2005. First Italian Language Edition. Softcover, 8vo, 96 pp, Italian text, limited edition of 300 copies of which this is No. 119. An Italian translation by Roberto Migliussi of Grant’s Images and Oracles of Austin Osman Spare. Cover design after a drawing by Spare. New book – Fine. (21660) $50.00
Kenneth & Steffi Grant, Zos Speaks! Encounters with Austin Osman Spare. London, England: Fulgur, 1998. First edition. Hardcover. Quarto, 296 pp, Original cloth. Profusely illustrated, mostly in black and white, but some magnificent color plates. A detailed account of Austin Osman Spare, and his relationship with Kenneth and Steffi Grant, drawn from diaries, letters, etc. New book. Fine in Fine dustjacket. (25158) $85.00
Clive Harper, Revised Notes Towards A Bibliography of Austin Osman Spare [& related ephemera]. London, & Edmonds WA: Privately Published & J. D. Holmes, 2001- 2005. A group of items relating to Clive Harper’s bibliographical work on Spare. Comprises 1) ‘Revised Notes Towards A Bibliography of Austin Osman Spare’, Holmes, Edmonds, 2001 (reprint), 44pp. A5 stapled in original paper wrappers. A fine copy. 2) ‘Supplement to the Second Edition of the Revised Version of Notes Towards a Bibliography of Austin Osman Spare’, Privately Printed, 2005, 24pp. A5 stapled in original paper wrappers, edition limited to 75 numbered copies, inscribed by the compiler, 3) ‘Son of Supplement to the Second Edition of the Revised Version of Notes Towards a Bibliography of Austin Osman Spare’, Privately Printed, 8pp. A5 stapled pamphlet, edition limited to 75 numbered copies, initialed by the compiler, 4) A related leaflet outlining plans for an AOS Bibliographical Website. Single sheet, dated Feb. 2005. Signed by the compiler. All about Fine. (26047) $60.00
Gavin Semple, Study for a Portrait of Frank Letchford: (July 2nd 1916 – December 30th 1998) A Brief Memoir. London: Fulgur Ltd., 2002. First edition. Softcover. 8vo, 42pp, Blue card covers with stiff paper dustjacket. Generously illustrated with photographs and black and white reproductions of artwork by Austin Osman Spare. Edition limited to 400 copies thus (there were also 50 hardbound copies). A study of Frank Letchford, one of Austin Osman Spare’s closest friends, who did much to preserve his work and memory. New Book / Fine copy. (8726) $27.50
Gavin Semple, Zos-Kia: An Introductory Essay on the Art and Sorcery of Austin Osman Spare. London: Fulgur Ltd., 1995. First edition. Softcover. 8vo, 52pp, Brown card covers with stiff paper dustjacket. Eight pages of color photographs of artwork by Spare, along with numerous black and white photographs and reproductions his pictures. Edition limited to 600 copies thus (there were also 80 hardbound copies). Some copies were apparently issued with bookmark / talisman – not included with this copy. ‘A personal and lucid view of Spare’s systems of sorcery, and the most authoritative critical work in recent years to utilize original unpublished material in presenting the philosophy of one of the most sought-after sorcerers of today.’ A fine copy. (17549) $225.00
Gavin W. Semple, Who Ever Thought Thus? Some Perspectives Towards Understanding the Philosophy of THE BOOK OF PLEASURE by Austin Osman Spare. London, England: Fulgur Limited, 2004. First edition – Limited. Softcover. Wrappers, 8vo, 12pp, b/w illustrations, This being one of an edition of 441 copies in wrappers (there was also a limited edition of 55 hardcover copies). Black wrappers printed in white with title and author, Black and white frontis. A study of the magical thought expressed in Spare’s “The Book of Pleasure”, published to mark the centenary of Spare’s inaugural exhibition at the Royal Academy on May 2nd 1904. New / Fine Condition. (20372) $16.00
William Wallace. Foreword by Frank Letchford. The Early Work of Austin Osman Spare, 1900-1919, Stroud: Catalpa Press, 1987. First Edition. Softcover. 8vo. x + 22pp. Sewn in thick paper wrappers with paper title label, over plain paper boards. According to Harper only 300 copies printed. Color frontis, 25 half-tone illustrations loosely inserted inside the rear turn over of the wrapper (this is the correct number, not 26 as is often misquoted). (25941) $125.00
William Wallace. Foreword by Frank Letchford. The Later Work of Austin Osman Spare, 1917-1956, Stroud: Catalpa Press, 1989. First Edition. Softcover. 8vo. xii + 32pp (+ 12pp. plates). Sewn in thick paper wrappers with paper title label, over plain paper boards. Color frontis, 2 color plates, 24 black and white plates. A fine copy. (25942) $125.00
About this Catalog.
As mentioned previously, this is the fiftieth anniversary of the death of Austin Osman Spare, an event that will be marked by a number of commemorations, including an exhibition of Spare’s work at The Atlantis Bookshop, in Museum Street, from May 15 – 31st. Those wishing to attend can email them: atlantis@theatlantisbookshop.com for details of their extended opening hours during that period.
This year also marks Weiser’s 80th year of business as specialist sellers of esoteric books and for many decades the company issued printed catalogs, however, the high costs involved brought an end to these, and for the last five years we have listed books on various internet book-sites and directly on to our own website:
http://www.weiserantiquarian.com
Whilst we will continue to add new stock weekly to the 13,000 books currently listed on our website, we will also send out occasional email catalogs like this, which we will also post on-line.
These catalogs will give us the opportunity to present collections or groups of related items in a more detailed and sympathetic context than the normal website allows, and will also enable us to give our established customers first choice at some of the more interesting new arrivals, as well as to offer them ‘special’ or bargain items. The items in this catalog will not be advertised elsewhere – in the main body of our website or on other bookselling sites – until a week after the email-catalogs have been sent out, although we do make a copy available to our friends at lashtal.com to post on this site. We also post an illustrated version of the list at:
http://www.weiserantiquarian.com/catalog
so those of you who would like to see pictures of the books can easily do so.
If you would like to receive future email catalogs, please send an email with ‘subscribe’ in the subject line to books@weiserantiquarian.com
Of course it is free, and you can have your name removed from the list at any time, simply by sending us an email with ‘unsubscribe’ in the subject line. We respect your privacy, and will not re-supply your details to anyone.
Our earlier catalogs can be viewed on-line at:
http://www.weiserantiquarian.com/catalogone
http://www.weiserantiquarian.com/catalogtwo
and
http://www.weiserantiquarian.com/catalogthree
Please note that these ‘old’ catalogs are stored for interest’s sake only, and many of the books on them have already sold. Those that are still available will be listed on our website, or you can inquire direct by email.
How to Purchase a Book from this Catalog.
Please keep in mind that in most cases we only have one copy of the book listed available for sale, and that it is therefore advisable to order promptly if you wish to secure it.
The books can be ordered by telephone, mail, fax (please telephone before sending a fax), or email. When ordering a book please tell us the author, title, and – most importantly – the ‘unique book number’ (that is the number in brackets next to the price) of the book or books you wish to purchase. Postage and insurance, where applicable, will be charged to the purchaser at cost.
We will advise promptly whether the book or books you ordered are still available, and the postage options. Customers from within the United States may pay by Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, or Amex), money order, or check (or in-person by cash). Overseas customers can pay by Credit Card, or by International Money Order or Bank Draft payable in U.S. dollars.
Please contact us if you have any queries. Our email for enquiries or orders is: books@weiserantiquarian.com
or you can telephone us on: 207-363-7253
If calling from overseas please dial your international access code, followed by the country code for the US (1) and then 207-363-7253.
As our business is 95% internet / phone / and mail-order we do not keep regular ‘shop hours.’ However, we are usually available to answer queries between 10am and 4pm, weekdays, EST – Eastern Standard Time – that is the same time zone as Boston. If calling long distance a useful time conversion chart can be found at: http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/ or you can safely leave a message on our answering machine at any time.
Weiser Antiquarian Books
P.O. Box 2050
York Beach, ME, 03910-2050
USA.
The Self Portrait by Austin Osman Spare at the top of this page is from Austin Osman Spare, The Divine Draughtsman, Beskin Press, 1987. Reproduced with their kind permission.
© Weiser Antiquarian Books, 2006.
No reproduction without permission please.