Curiosities

Flannel Flowers – May Gibbs c1920

Published Sydney: Angus Robertson no date but an early printing circa 1920, printer Penfold noted at the rear.

Original wrappers, unpaginated but 28 pages in total. Bound with original green cord. Colour pictorial overlay to front of several pretty flannel babies. Illustrated with coloured frontispiece and 11 full page sepia illustrations. Nice condition, apart from a couple of marks to the front and a a name papered over inside front. Otherwise pretty clean inside, free of children’s often found markings. A scarce one in early form for some reason; although later reproduced. Reference authority Muir 2742.

As well as the Flannel Babies we have the Christmas Bell Babies; Bracken Babies; Pea-flower Babies; Mushroom Babies; Fuschia Babies and Tea-tree Babies.

May Gibbs – harder to find early Flannel Babies.

$50.00

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French Wine – Booklet on Instruments for the Examination of Red Wine Colour – J. Dujardin -1902

An interesting 24-page booklet by J. Dujardin published in Paris in 1902.

The French title “L’Examen de intensite colorante des Vin Rouges par le Vino-Colorimetre Salleron” it goes on to say the methods can be applied to Spanish wines, liqueurs etc.

The booklet describes the scientific approach to assessing wine quality and colour on a scale designed by J Salleron. At the completion is effectively a price list and description of the various accoutrements necessary to satisfy this important science

Rare red wine science – Paris 1902

$90.00

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The Picture of Kebes the Theban – Rendered into English by Hugh E Seebohm – Rare Private Printing Essex House Press [Following Kelmscott] 1906

A scarce little delight of a book by the intellectual banker Hugh Exton Seebohm (1867-1946). Seebohm’s father was expert in classical matters and his family followed in his footsteps as well as increasing significantly the value of the family pile. Small squarish octavo, 52 pages, title page printed in red and black, three page note at end printed in red. Olive grey papered boards with separate paper title to front and spine. A very good copy.

Seebohm also issued a book on the Structure of Greek Tribal Society.

The original of this work known as the “Tabula Cebetis”, an influential antique dialogue which addresses questions relating to the way of life.

A translation of the only existing book of Kebes, who was a disciple of Philolaus and a friend of Socrates.

Essex House was founded by Charles Ashbee in 1898 using printing gear from the then closed Kelmscott Press of William Morris. True Arts & Crafts style .. Ashbee regarded as a founder of the movement with his Guild. Great care was taken with the typographical design and the wild carnation motif which represented Essex House Press at the rear.

Would make a delightful gift for the thoughtful.

Essex House Printing of Seebohm’s translation of Kebes … a true book lovers delight.

$140.00

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Cased Anemometer By Baird & Tatlock

A pretty good example of a low speed air meter by top maker Baird & Tatlock. Likely designed for and used in the coal mining industry.

In its original felt lined leather case with attachment screwed to case lid as required. The only blemish is a pressure crack on the face and some paint loss on the blade casing.

The instrument still works well which is somewhat unusual as discard was one way these instruments left their place of work.

The instrument comes with a sliding braking system which protects the delicate gearing. Overall a good example now hard to find

Measure air flow for accuracy and pleasure

$180.00

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Bowie – Fashion – 1980

Super original copy of this iconic single …. Scream like a Baby on the B side. From the album Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps).

Ooh bop, do-do-do-do-do-do-do-do..

Robert Fripp from King Crimson played the lead guitar. Bowie coined a new meaning for the word “Fascists” which likely amused him.

David Bowie will never be forgotten ..

$40.00

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The Awakening of the Soul – Ibn Tufail – from the translation of Paul Bronnle -1907

A scarce translation of Hayy ibn Yaqzan a 12th Century work by Moorish philosopher Ibn Tufail. The first philosophical novel ever written.

Small octavo, 87 pages, missing blank free end paper, clean inside, good green cloth covered boards with title and design to front, titles similarly on spine. Very scarce.

Published by the Orient Press, London as part of the Wisdom of the East Series. We believe this publisher was part of the John Murray enterprise.

The work not only had an influence or later Arabic work but also, over time, a significant influence in Europe, especially during the period of European Enlightenment.

An allegorical novel which recounts the story of a feral child who is brought up by a gazelle alone in the desert. Without any human contact the child discovers ultimate truth through a process of reasoned enquiry. The child, Hayy, meets a castaway Absal through whom he understands the human desires for material goods … Hayy concludes that such things are distractions and should be abandoned to maintain ultimate truth.

As an aside the author had a varied career including physician to the Almohad King and was a supporter of dissection and autopsy .. expressed in the novel.

Small but powerful first philosophical novel – scarce in this form.

$45.00

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Flannel Flowers – May Gibbs c1920

French Wine – Booklet on Instruments for the Examination of Red Wine Colour – J. Dujardin -1902

The Picture of Kebes the Theban – Rendered into English by Hugh E Seebohm – Rare Private Printing Essex House Press [Following Kelmscott] 1906

Cased Anemometer By Baird & Tatlock

Bowie – Fashion – 1980

The Awakening of the Soul – Ibn Tufail – from the translation of Paul Bronnle -1907

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