[Lewis Carroll illustrated by Elizabeth Bury.] Two Christmas keepsake private printings: 'The Hunting of the Snark' and 'The Old Man's Comforts by Robert Southey | You Are Old, Father William & The Evidence […] by Lewis Carroll'.
Elizabeth Bury, illustrator and theatre designer, wife of and collaborator with John Bury (1925-2000), British theatre designer noted for his innovative work with Peter Hall, the Royal Shakespeare Company and National Theatre (see his obituary in the Guardian, 15 November 2000). Two ring-bound 8vo Christmas keepsake private printings, both filled with full-page illustrations by Bury. Both inscribed by her to the playwright Christopher Fry. Both in good condition, with light signs of age. Uniform in layout, both with coloured covers of striking design. The numerous illustrations are delightful and intricate ink drawings of a very high standard, their heavily-inked cross-hatching giving the effect of nineteenth-century engraving. ONE: 'The Hunting of the Snark by Lewis Carroll 1876'. Presentation inscription: 'FOR CHRISTOPHER | [Christmas stamp in red ink] | With lots of love from Liz Bury. | Christmas 2003'. [87]pp, 8vo. Including illustrated title-page and thirty-eight full-page illustrations by Bury with two-page final note by Bury, including a discussion on Dodgson's photographic interests (reflected in her final illustration to the poem) and another of G. F. Watt's picture 'Hope', which she uses as a motif to her illustrations: 'When I was young Watts was still a well known painter, now he is almost completely forgotten.' TWO: 'The Old Man's Comforts by Robert Southey 1809 | You Are Old, Father William & The Evidence from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll 1865'. Presentation inscription: 'FOR CHRISTOPHER | MERRY CHRISTMAS | A ND | HAPPY NEW CENTURY! | With lots of love from | John & Liz Bury | Christmas 1999'. [35]pp, 8vo. Including illustrated title-page and fifteen full-page illustrations. NO OTHER COPIES TRACED.