We Happy Few; An anthology. I: Britain at War. II: Britain at Sea. III: Britain in the Air
London: The Golden Cockerel Press, 1946. First, Limited Edition. Crown 8vo., 7 3/8 x 5 in. (188 x 126 mm); pp. [4] + 150 + [6]. 11 wood engravings (made on active service) by John O'Connor (1913-2004), and with an introduction by Dorothy Rutter (1892-1961).
Quarter blue buckram with decorative paper boards; gilt title on spine, t.e.g., others uncut. All pages clean and fresh, binding tight with very light sunning on spine.
Copy 403 of 750
[Cockalorum 171]
$300 one of 100 best copies, $118 same binding as ours.
https://www.vialibri.net/searches?author=Rutter%2C+Owen&title=We+Happy+Few&publisher=GOLDEN+COCKEREL+PRESS&sort=price.desc&s=1.rkzm5l.68defd458c0ff640.
A rousing anthology of poetry and prose extolling the spirit of Britain at war, Britain at sea, and Britain in the air. Over sixty pieces, from Shakespeare to Churchill, including Wellington and Thackeray on Waterloo, Instructions to Captain Cook, Nelson's Prayer before Trafalgar, etc. The illustrations by 'Flying Officer' John O'Connor were all made in camp on active service and sent to the publishers by field post. The title of the book comes from the famous St. Crispin's Day speech (William Shakespeare, Henry the Fifth).
The GOLDEN COCKEREL PRESS was founded by Harold Midgely Taylor in 1920 with the object of publishing new works of literary significance by young authors and to print and publish fine editions of books of established worth. When Mr. Taylor retired in 1924, it was purchased by Robert Gibbings, known as an illustrator and woodcutter (Tomkinson, p .93) "Golden Cockerel books are amongst the most popular and desirable private press items." (Ransom p. 106).
Condition: Near Fine.
Item number: 620
Price: $200.00
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