A History of the Golden Cockerel Press 1920-1960 Hardcover - 2002

From the publisher

The Golden Cockerel Press, one of the foremost publishers of illustrated books, was the most important and productive of the English private presses during the period of 1920-1960. This notable work is the first extensive study of the press, based on interviews and the Press's widely-scattered archives. Richly illustrated with 16 pages of color illustrations and over 150 black & white illustrations, this work delves into the history of the press and discusses and assesses its important private press books. Closely associated with the revival of wood-engraving, the Golden Cockerel Press books were vehicles for the work of such artists as Robert Gibbings, Eric Gill, David Jones, Agnes Miller Parker, Eric Ravilious, John Buckland Wright and others. Unlike other fine presses which succumbed to the Depression or closed during the Second World War, Golden Cockerel continued to produce outstanding books. The Press's literary achievement was as significant as its artistic contribution through its publication of original manuscripts by writers such as H.E. Bates, A.E. Coppard and T.E. Lawrence. This work also reveals how the market for fine books was created and sustained, and it provides many insights into other aspects of the British publishing scene. A bibliography of all books printed by the Golden Cockerel Press is included. Co-published with The British Library.