Adelman, Seymour (1906–1985)

The Moving Pageant [Dual Inscription: Signed by Author & Frank Harrington]

Lititz, Pennsylvania: Sutter House, 1977. Limited Edition.

A pristine Joint Presentation Copy of this "Books about Books" classic. This copy features a dual inscription from both the author, Seymour Adelman, and the mutual friend, Frank Harrington, presented to Horizon Books publisher Ben Raeburn.

KEY FEATURES
+++ Visuals: Illustrated with three drawings by Claud Lovat Fraser.

+++ Binding: Publisher’s original maroon cloth with gilt spine titles and a gilt "flower girl" motif on the front board. Text printed on high-quality Curtis Rag laid paper.

+++ Content: A collection of essays celebrating bibliophilia, with chapters on John Keats, A.E. Housman, and the thrill of the hunt.

+++ Associated Names: Seymour Adelman (Author); Frank Harrington (Inscriber); Ben Raeburn (Recipient).

+++ Provenance: Double Inscription on the front free endpaper.
1. Top Note (In the hand of Frank Harrington): 'Dear Ben: This book joins together three admirers of James Hanley – Frank Harrington – 9/15/78'.
2. Bottom Note (In the hand of the author): 'The Moving Pageant / Seymour Adelman / to Ben Raeburn, friend of my cherished friend, Frank Harrington, with every best wish.'

CONDITION: Fine -- A flawless copy. The cloth is sharp and clean, the gilt is bright, and the interior is untouched. As issued without a dust jacket.
+++ Imprint: Lititz, Pennsylvania: Sutter House, 1977. First Edition. Limited to 650 numbered copies (This is Number 107).
+++ Specs: 8 inches tall / ix, [1], 210, [1] pages.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE - 
Seymour Adelman was one of the premier American book collectors of the 20th century, known for his world-class Keats and Housman collections now at Bryn Mawr. This volume is a high-quality "Gentleman’s production" printed on rag paper, intended for his inner circle.

The provenance here is a 'Bibliophile's Trifecta.' It links the author (Adelman), the publisher of Horizon Press (Raeburn), and their mutual friend (Harrington) through a shared admiration for the gritty British modernist writer James Hanley—a specific literary taste that signifies a serious 'book man.'

SUBJECTS: Seymour Adelman, Book Collecting, Philadelphia History, Ben Raeburn, James Hanley, Private Press, Lovat Fraser, Bibliophilia.

Item #21517
ISBN: 0915010208

Price: $75.00