FORS CLAVIGERA. Letters to the workmen and labourers of Great Britain. Vol. V.

RUSKIN, John.

Edité par George Allen Sunnyside Orpington Kent, 1875

8vo, pp. [iv], 153, [3] blank, [155]-242, [1], 248-354; bound in darkish blue divinity calf, spine a little faded, but very sound; marbled endpapers, gilt edges. Presentation copy from the author, inscribed by Ruskin: 'Agnes Stalker With affectionate memories, From her old friend, John Ruskin. 6th July 1885'. Agnes Stalker was the daughter of a shepherd in the hills above Brantwood, Ruskin's house at Coniston. In the second chapter of this volume (pp. 29-46), titled 'Agnes' Book', Ruskin tells the story of a visit he paid to her parents' cottage, and of his borrowing a sample of Agnes's reading matter, a pious and religious illustrated story. He examines this cheap little book for what it teaches, and what effects its art and its morals might have on a simple child of the labouring classes, for whom the story it tells can have no lesson because it is filled with events outside her experience and understanding. He turns his mind to prescribing for her what sort of art and reading would be beneficial. Loosely inserted into this book is a letter with which it was presented in 1936 by a Westmorland woman who had been bequeathed it by Agnes. She writes that the inscription was 'written by him when he gave it to an old woman whom I used to know here She has only just died. She was the Agnes who inspired it at 6 years old. When she saw him again 12 years or so later he asked her if she had ever read the book he wrote about her, & when she said No, he said "Then I will give you a copy" & gave this book to her'. This book is said to have been owned by Iolo Aneurin Williams (1890-1962), bibliographer and folk song collector; but as the letter of 1936 is addressed to 'Dear Edward' it seems more likely to have been given to his son Edward (1921-2013). He was a notable composer, responsible for the music for David Attenborough's television series Life on Earth (1979). N° de réf. du vendeur 28154

Détails bibliographiques

Titre : FORS CLAVIGERA. Letters to the workmen and ...
Éditeur : George Allen Sunnyside Orpington Kent
Date d'édition : 1875
Reliure : Couverture rigide
Signé : Signé par l'auteur