Beschreibung:

[Book]. Holmes, Richard R. Queen Victoria, specimen copy of the first limited edition of 350, Boussod, Valadon & Co., London 1897. Full crimson gilt by Zaehnsdorf, with gilt armorials, dated 1901, moire silk endpapers with gilt dentelles, top edges gilt, tissue guarded and paper protected plate illustrations, quarto, with four letters relating to the book's production pasted to the front free endpaper following the title page. Note: The letters cast an interesting light on the book's genesis, since they record the Queen's thoughts on seeing the first proofs. The earliest, dated 22nd Feb. 1897 and like the others dictated to a Royal aide, expresses dissatisfaction with the literary style or, rather, lack of one: 'it does read like the writing of some one unaccustomed to the art'. It goes on to regret that the book's appearance in print can not be stopped and the publisher's are urged to do all they can 'to prevent the Queen being too unhappy about it'. For the author, the Queen's librarian, there is muted sympathy: 'I fear poor Mr Holmes has undertaken something quite beyond his powers'. The end result, however, was clearly regarded as a triumph by its creator, albeit one that had left him a little buised and wearied by the whole experience.On 17th November 1897 he wrote to thank the publisher's: 'the unanimous approval with which... [the book] has been received is entirely due to the strict supervision and careful polish you gave to my crude labours. I am glad to say I am now recovered but still find that it takes some time to get back strength'.