Rare book illustrated by William Spratling in upcoming auction
National Book Auctions‘ next auction, on February 28th, includes Casa Manana by Elizabeth Morrow, a book about Cuernavaca, Mexico illustrated by William Spratling. Printed in 1932, it was a limited edition of 300.
Photographs: National Book Auctions/Artfact
Auction details:
Condition/Details: Bound in black cloth with bright gilt embossing, this antique volume is a scarce autographed copy of this work on Cuernavaca, Mexico by Elizabeth Cutter Morrow. Morrow, born Elizabeth Reeve Cutter (1873 – January 24, 1955), was an American poet in the early 20th century, who became the first female head of Smith College, acting as college president from 1939 to 1940 (though she was never officially granted the title). She was the wife of U.S. Senator Dwight Morrow, who was Ambassador to Mexico from 1927 to 1930. Morrow was the mother of four children, including Anne Morrow Lindbergh, distinguished American author and wife of aviation pioneer Charles Lindbergh.
This is one of 300 copies. The work is illustrated by William Spratling (September 22, 1900 – August 7, 1967), an American-born silversmith and artist, best known for his influence on 20th century Mexican silver design. The author’s inscription appears on a preliminary page and reads: “For Edward G.(?) Lowry / with warm regard / Elizabeth Morrow / A happy chapter to read.” The volume shows light external age/wear, and is solidly bound with clean pages and pictorial endpapers. This unpaginated book measures approximately 8 1/4″ x 11 1/4″. Shipping cost (within the U.S.) for this lot will be: $4.50
Estimated Price: $500 – $750
You can bid online at Artfact.
If you would like to buy this book but don’t feel like waiting for the auction, or if you are just curious about pricing, I found one copy available online:
The bookseller’s description includes the following:
Laid in is a 22 x 16cm ink drawing by Spratling of a ceremonial fiesta mask, signed by him, inset into a slightly larger card mat. Spratling, widely known for both his association with William Faulkner, and for his skills as a silversmith, was interested in and collected such masks after his move to Mexico in 1929 and their influence was evident in his silverwork.
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