Books

N: N, 1923. by F. W. Mercer. 26 calligraphic manuscript leaves with tissue guards, comprising an illuminated title page and 24 text leaves, all text beneath illuminated upper border; small cr. 4to; handsomely bound in full green morocco, the spine with 5 raised bands ruled in gilt, boards with single gilt rule border and gilt edges, upper board lettered in gilt and decorated with 3 small gilt stars, the top fore-corners lightly bruised, spine slightly faded; dentelles decorated in gilt; uncut; paste papered endpapers patterned in green, dull gilt & black; book label of David Levine, Sydney, on recto of lower free endpaper, a couple of faint spots of foxing; 1923. *With the calligrapher's signed presentation inscription to Vyvyan Holland on blank preliminary leaf, dated Christmas 1923. Holland was the younger son of Oscar Wilde. Later, the book was acquired by Harry and Virginia Walton, of Covington Virginia. After their deaths (in 2002 and 2007 respectively), the Waltons' notable…