Search Results: Titles starting with P from Ursus Books

1953. SUTNAR, Ladislav. Package Design: The Force of Visual Selling. Unpaginated, illustrated with hundreds of photographs. Oblong 4to, 228 x 305 mm., bound in publisher's boards and illustrated dust jacket. New York: Arts Inc., 1953. Sutnar's classic work on advertising. Sutnar, a native of Czechoslovakia, became one of the twentieth century's most influential designers. In America he produced three beautifully designed and highly influential books: Design for Point of Sale (1952), Package Design (1953), and Visual Design in Action (1961), all of which are difficult to find in good condition.

1843. PROVOST, A. and Charles B. P. VAN PELT. Panorama intérieur de Paris. Panorama consisting of 16 attached lithographic plates in contemporary hand-colouring. 145 x 360 mm., bound in publisher's red morocco-backed boards. Paris: Aubert, 1843. The panorama represents a walk through Paris from the Madeleine in the west to the Place de la Bastille in the east. The name of each boulevard is given at the top margin, with other significant place names in bottom margin. The panorama features porters, street vendors, boys with hoops, fashionable pedestrians, carriages, and working class figures. Some wear to the binding some scattered light pencil markings, overall a very good copy. OCLC lists Columbia, Berkeley, Smith, Dartmouth and American Philosophical Society.

1852. VARIN, Amédée. Papillons Metamorphoses Terrestres des Peuples de L'Air. Two volumes. [4], 232, [4]; [4], 258, [4] pp., illustrated with 35 hand-coloured engraved plates, including frontispieces and title-page plates, and with the portrait Cazotte opposite vol. II, p. 152, not included in the list of plates. 8vo, 262 x 175 mm., bound in publisher's polychrome bindings depicting Varin decorations and illustrated vignettes. Paris: Gabriel de Gonet, 1852. First edition, with points: "1852" on next to the printer's name "De Soye" at the end of both volumes. One of the most marvelously surreal butterfly books, Varin's Papillons is a potpourri of fantasy, imagination and humour. The 35 hand-coloured plates of anthropomorphic butterflies, rendered in the vein of Grandville by Amédée Varin (1818-1883) are brilliantly conceived and executed. The text by Nus and Meray includes a chapter entitled "La Vestale du Rio… Read More

1867. PARIS. Paris Guide par les principaux ecrivains et artistes de la France. Two volumes. I: xiv, 902, 27, [1] pp. II: xiv, 903-2139, [1] pp., illustrated throughout, including many folding plates and maps. Thick 8vo, 190 x 120 mm., bound in publisher's red cloth, gilt armorial at center of front panels, title gilt on spine. Paris: Librairie Internationale, 1867. First edition. One of the most interesting guide books to nineteenth-century Paris with essays on every aspect of the city by leading French writers and artists. In addition to the author of the introduction, Victor Hugo, well-known contributors include: George Sand, Nadar, Alexandre Dumas, Ernest Renan, Sainte-Beuve, Viollet-le-Duc and Ambroise Thomas. The first volume of this comprehensive guide covers art and science, with sections on important libraries, art schools, museums, and palaces, among other institutions and cultural sites. Volume two addresses the practice of everyday life in Paris, ranging from promenades and… Read More

1993. ROTHENBERG, Susan. Parts. By Robert Creeley. Illustrated with 9 mezzotints and a drypoint by Susan Rothenberg. Folio, bound in original full vellum by Claudia Cohen. San Francisco: Limestone Press, 1993. An immaculate copy of this important contemporary artist's book combining Rothenberg's luminous mezzotints with Creeley's spare poems. This is one of the many books which have been produced as a result of Creeley's lifelong commitment to collaborating with artists to create books, which has the poetry being inspired by the art, in a reversal of the standard process. One of an edition of 40 copies signed by Rothenberg and Creeley.

1944. MATISSE, Henri. Pasiphaé, Chant de Minos. Text by Henri de Montherlant. 121, [1], [6] pp. With 147 linoleum engravings by Matisse, including 50 printed in black (of which 18 are full-page), 84 initial letters and repeated head-pieces printed in red, with front and back covers printed in blue and white. Folio, 330 x 250 mm., loose as issued in the original wrappers and linen slipcase. Paris: Martin Fabiani, 1944. One of 200 copies on velin d'Arches filigrané paper, from a total edition of 250. Signed by Matisse on the justification page. Matisse's Pasiphaé is a thrilling work. All of the original linoleum plates were destroyed after the printing of this edition. As with almost all his books, Matisse was responsible for the brilliant design, which combined black, white and red colours to create one of the most appealing artist books of the twentieth century. "A contemporary retelling of the story of Pasiphaé and the Minoan bull was the impetus… Read More

1990. PRANGENBERG, Norbert. Peer Gynt. Illustrated with 35 etchings and monotype. Folio, bound in cloth covered boards in the orginal cloth covered slipcase. San Francisco: Limestone Press, 1990. The German artist, Norbert Prangenberg, who was primarily known as a sculptor, was also a prolific graphic artist, and the 35 etchings and monotype he contributed to this edition of Peer Gynt helped to creat a magnificent book. The book was printed by Jill Livermore, Richard Urban, Mike Shea, and Karen Tossavainen on Rives 270 gm paper, and bound by Klaus Rötzscher and Hank Hine. There are nineteen examples, numbered and signed by the artist. As new.

1964. MASSON, André. Peine Perdue, Poèmes. By Claude-André Puget. 60, [4] pp. With a loose aquatint engraving by Masson. 8vo., bound in publisher's printed wrappers, uncut and unopened. Geneva: Club du Poeme, [1964]. Here Masson contributes a print to a poem on a subject which interested him, namely how little time one has to accomplish all the things one wants to. One of 38 copies on Vergé with a loose aquatint engraving signed and numbered by Masson. Saphire and Cramer, ANDRE MASSON: The Illustrated Books. No. 62

1843. GRANDVILLE, J.J. Petites Misères de la Vie humaine, par Old Nick [Paul-Émile Daurand Forgues] et Grandville. [4], viii, 392 pp. Illustrated woodcut frontispiece and 49 full-page woodcut plates and woodcuts in text throughout by Grandville. 8vo., 230 x 145 mm, bound in publisher's gilt-stamped cloth. Paris: H. Fournier, 1843. A fine copy in the rare publisher's cloth of one of Grandville's lesser known works, but one that contains intimations of his masterpiece Un Autre Monde of the following year. Presumably because the surreal illustrations which were to become his trademark are in the distinct minority that this books has not been given the credit it is due. Occasional foxing, but overall a clean copy.

1859. FREEDLEY, Edwin T. Philadelphia and its Manufactures; a Hand-Book, exhibiting the Development, Variety and Statistics of the Manufacturing Industry of Philadelphia in 1857, together with Sketches of Remarkable Manufactories; and a List of Articles now made in Philadelphia. [2], 21-504 pp., illustrated with ten lithographic plates including one coloured. 8vo, 200 x 120 mm., gilt stamped three-quarter leather over marbled paper. Philadelphia: Edward Young, 1859. Third edition, the "Merchants' Edition." A comprehensive survey of commercial activity in Philadelphia on the eve of the Civil War. The book was written in an attempt to demonstrate the importance of Philadelphia as a commercial and manufacturing center and the tremendous amount of information contained in it attests to its achieving that goal. Despite erratic numbering at the beginning, this copy is complete as published. A fine copy.

1975. WARHOL, Andy. The Philosophy of Andy Warhol (From A to B and Back Again). 241 pp. 8vo, 201 x 133 mm., bound in original cloth, in dust jacket illustrated with a photograph by Philippe Halsman. In a new black cloth folding box. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1975. A unique copy of the first edition of Andy Warhol's Philosophy. Inscribed to Gail and with a signed original drawing of a vagina on the half-title. In addition the half-title is initialed AW. In this confessional work Warhol reveals his thoughts on everything from the art business to Elizabeth Taylor. While inscribed copies of this book are not rare, we have never seen one with a similar drawing.

1855. BEDE, Cuthbert. Photographic Pleasures: Popularly Portrayed with Pen and Pencil. 52 pp. Illustrated with 23 etched plates. 8vo., 160 x 100 mm, bound in original illustrated cloth-backed boards. London: Day and Son, [1863]. Cuthbert Bede was the pen name of Edward Bradley. This is a reissue of the first humorous treatment of the new art and craft of photography to be published in England. To the readers of its day it offered an up-to-the-minute commentary on the fads and foibles, trials and tribulations of the photographic enthusiast. Piece missing from illustration on rear cover (a repeat of the front cover). Some internal staining, but still an exceptional copy of this fascinating book.

GONCOURT, Edmond de. Portrait for La Galerie Contemporaine by Nadar. Woodburytype print with artist's information printed on mount, matted and framed in polished dark wood. [Paris: Nadar, ND]. A visually arresting portrait of Edmond de Goncourt by famed portrait photographer Nadar (Gaspard-Felix Tournachon 1820-1910). "Nadar's notoriety in photography came after successful careers first in writing and publishing and then in caricature. Nadar's turn to portrait photography appears to be a natural progression from his work in caricature." "Galerie Contemporaine, stands out due to its ambitious scope, as well as for the quality of the photographic imagery it contained. Underpinned by a certain patriotic sentiment and a more sophisticated approach to celebrity, the subtitle Litteraire Artistique declares the work's focus of interest to be high art. In fact Galerie Contemporaine evolved into the most impressive set of celebrity portraits published in… Read More

1985. GILMAN COLLECTION. Photographs from the Collection of the Gilman Paper Company. Curated by Pierre Apraxine, with plates by Richard Benson, and notes to the plates by Lee Marks. 480 pp. Illustrated with 199 offset lithographs after photographs plus offset lithographic frontispiece. Large folio, bound in original half maroon calf over linen covered boards, in a slipcase. [Verona: Stamperia Valdonega for] The White Oak Press, 1985. A superbly printed book, presenting, for the first time, two hundred images from one of the world's important photography resources. These images, selected by Pierre Apraxine, curator of the Gilman collection, illustrate the work of over one hundred photographers. The scope ranges from the experimental daguerrotype of the early 1840's (by Samuel F. B. Morse et al.), to the pioneering photographs by Robert Frank and Diane Arbus of the mid 1950s and 1960s. The edition was limited to 1200 copies, and has been described as "a tour-de-force of… Read More

1835. DUBLIN. The Picture of Dublin or Stranger's Guide to the Irish Metropolis. [16], 352 pp., illustrated with an engraved title-page, 12 plates and a large folding map on blue paper. 8vo, 170 x 100 mm,, bound in publisher's green cloth with printed paper spine label. Dublin: William Curry, Jun. and Company, 1835. An illustrated guidebook to the Irish capital, "containing an account of every object and institution worthy of notice, together with a brief description of the surrounding country and of its geology." With a publisher's advertisement for additional books on tourism in Ireland at front. Partially unopened.

1913. DOWSON, Ernest. The Pierrot of the Minute. A Dramatic Phantasy in One Act. [6], 38, [2] pp. 8vo., 180 x 115 mm, bound in recent three-quarter purple morocco over matching cloth, gilt lettering on spine. Portland, Maine: Thomas B. Mosher, 1913. Dowson's one-act verse play, consisting of a dialogue between Pierrot and a Moon Maiden was first published in 1897. This edition was printed in 950 copies printed on Van Gelder handmade paper. In excellent condition.

1868. LANDELLE, Gabriel, de la. Pigeon Vole. Aventures en l'Air. 414 pp., profusely illustrated. 8vo, 185 x 116 mm., bound in publisher's wrappers in a new red cloth folding box with a blue label. Paris: P. Brunet, 1868. A sound copy of a scarce little jewel of a book, which anticipates the books created by artists such as Max Ernst and Joseph Cornell. The pages are not only alive with images and ornaments, but there is the occasional use of red, blue and green for additional dramatic effect. While ostensibly a book on aviation, any importance it might have as such is distinctly overshadowed by the striking mise-en-page, and its role as a precursor of twentieth century avant-garde book design. The spine is broken but intact and the wrappers are worn. However, this is definitely an acceptable copy of a great rarity. Andel, The Avant-Garde Book 1900-1945, p. 10.

1986. LEWITT, Sol. Piramidi. 10 lithographs, each 222 × 680 mm, in publisher's cardboard box, preserved in a new cloth folding box. Turin: Marco Noire Editore, 1986. This stunning set of lithographs recall the splendid wall drawings of pyramids that the artist conceived of between 1985 and 1994. These consisted of floor to ceiling pyramids constructed of multiple facets, set against uniform backgrounds. Each work was drawn directly on the walls in successive layers of delicate ink washes, alternating in yellow, red, blue and gray. It is no accident that the results recall Renaissance frescoes since LeWitt first developed this technique after moving from New York to Spoleto, Italy in 1980. Unlke the wall drawings, many of which no longer exist, this set of lithographs bears lasting testimony to Lewitt's genius. An immaculate copy in its original cardboard box. One of an edition of 400 copies, signed by Lewitt. Barbara Krakower Gallery, Sol Lewitt Prints Catalogue Raisonne 1986.02.

2007. SAINT-AUBIN, Gabriel. Placets de l'officier Desbans. Preface by Neil MacGregor, Director, British Museum. 62 pp. Illustrated with 15 facsimile drawings by Gabriel Saint-Aubin, plus a few head- and tail-pieces. Folio, 360 x 235 mm, bound in full red silk over boards, with the gilt-stamped coat-of-arms of Marie-Antoinette on both covers. Paris: 1775 (i.e. London: Roxburghe Club, 2007). Privately printed for members of the Roxburghe Club. This is a facsimile edition of an original French eighteenth-century manuscript produced in Paris in 1775. Edme-Louis Desbans, born 1728, wrote his own text and orchestrated the production of this superlative manuscript as a petition for his advancement in the French Army. It was intended for two readers only: Marie-Antoinette, the new Queen of France, and her husband Louis XVI. Desbans flatters the new Queen as a patron of a new taste in the arts, architecture, fashion, music (as supporter of her fellow Austrian composer Gluck), and symbolic… Read More

1944. GOLDFINGER, Erno and Ursula BLACKWELL. Planning your Neighbourhood for Home, for Work, for Play. 20 colored pictorial boards. Folio, 490 x 355 mm., loose, in a new cloth folding box. [London: Air Ministry Directorate of Educational Services, 1944.] A spectacular set of designs by the Hungarian-born architect Erno Goldfinger and his wife Ursula Blackwell, assisted by Martin Cobbett, with cartoons by Sheila Hawkins and landscaping by Peter Shepheard. They were prepared for exhibitions put on by the Army Bureau of Current Affairs and depict plans for the rebuilding of the East End of London after the war. The set is made up as follows: the first plate is the title-page, 2 and 3 contrast village and town life, 4-10 describe what planning means: "Shops, Schools, Work and Recreation within east reach of our home." 9 and 10 are about different types of homes (houses, flats or maisonettes) and the space needed to supply accommodation for different sized families. 11-20 show the site… Read More