VOICES OF THE IRISH DIASPORA

Hanley, James (1901–1985)

The Face of Winter [Signed Limited Edition] [Irish Realism]

Loughton, Essex: K.A. Ward, The Perfecta Press, 1969. Limited Edition.
An evocative and visually striking collaboration between James Hanley and his son, the artist Liam Hanley.  A rare survival of Hanley's late-period small-press masterpieces.

Published in a limited edition, this short work of prose showcases Hanley's late-career lyrical intensity, paired with atmospheric illustrations that capture the bleak, rhythmic beauty of the season. This copy was part of the Ben Raeburn archive, reflecting the deep personal and professional ties between the author’s family and his primary American publisher.

KEY FEATURES
+++ Signed Edition: Hand-signed by James Hanley on the limitation page.
+++ Limitation: Copy number 76 of only 99 copies produced.
+++ Illustrator/Visuals: Features original artwork by Liam Hanley, the author's son. 
+++ Presswork: Published by K. A. Ward at 71 High Beech Road, Loughton.
+++ Association: Sourced from the estate of Ben Raeburn (Horizon Press).
+++ Specs: Stapled blue stiff card wraps with flyleaves; octavo (6 x 9 inches). 3 leaves, [1-2] 3-11 [12-14] pages.

CONDITION: Near Fine.
+++ The Wraps: Stiff light blue card stock remains tight and square. Shows only minimal handling and light sun-marking consistent with careful storage.
+++ Internal: Text block and illustrations are exceptionally clean, bright, and free of blemishes.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE --
The illustrations by Liam Hanley contribute materially to the significance of the work, transforming the volume from a conventional literary production into a collaborative artistic exchange between father and son. His stark, atmospheric landscapes and shadowed imagery visually reinforce James Hanley’s haunting themes and language, capturing the same bleak emotional terrain suggested by images such as the ‘unlightened stove’ and ‘sentinel crows.’ The result is a more intimate and unified work than a standard illustrated edition, carrying an added layer of personal and artistic resonance for collectors of modern literature and private press material.

Bibliographical Context:
Published in 1969 by K. A. Ward, at the The Perfecta Press this volume is one of the most elusive entries in the Hanley bibliography. The production is a quintessential example of the post-war British small-press tradition—prioritizing textural quality and artistic collaboration over mass-market appeal. With a total limitation of only 99 copies, it was designed specifically for the inner circle of Hanley’s collectors and associates.

The Illustrator (Liam Hanley):
The importance of the illustrator cannot be overstated. Liam Hanley (1933–2019) was a celebrated British landscape painter known for his ability to convey profound emotion through stark, geometric forms. His collaboration with his father on this project was a rare intersection of their respective disciplines. Liam’s illustrations do not merely decorate the text; they act as a visual extension of James's prose, mirroring the Irish Realism through a modern, abstract lens.

Scarcity Note: Uncommon in the marketplace. With a total limitation of only 99 signed copies, and a high percentage likely held in institutional Hanley archives, the availability of such a crisp, fine example is notably restricted.

SCHOLARLY FEATURES
+++ Family Collaboration: The inclusion of Liam Hanley's illustrations is highly significant; Liam was a recognized painter whose work often mirrored the brooding, textural qualities of his father’s prose.
+++ Thematic Continuity: The Face of Winter serves as a thematic companion to Hanley’s broader body of work, focusing on isolation and the sensory impact of the natural world.
+++ Publisher Context: K. A. Ward’s small-press outings for Hanley are among the most sought-after items for specialists due to their aesthetic simplicity and tiny print runs.

SUBJECTS: James Hanley, Liam Hanley, Small Press, 20th Century Prose, Irish Literature, Signed Limited Edition, Illustrated Books, Association Copy.

BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCE: Gibbs, A45a  Hanley bibliography (Linnett/Ward).

Item #21927

Price: $175.00