The Castles of County Cork (Signed First Edition)
Cork and Dublin: The Mercerie Press, 1988. 1st Edition. Hardcover. Fine / Near Fine. Item #013025
Large oblong 4to., 450pp. Beautiful First Edition, bound in decorative paper-covered boards with titles in gilt on spine. 72 drawings and 10 maps by the author. ISBN 0853428768 Square, tight and clean throughout with little or no wear save a hint of bumping to the spine ends. Very attractive unclipped, though unpriced, dust-jacket, has mild edge-wear and a toned spine panel. Still fresh and bright with no chipping, creases or tears. Inscribed and signed on the front end-paper to Kevin O'Sullivan, possibly the noted Irish journalist and former Editor of the Irish Times, " To Kevin O' Sullivan, with best wishes. James M. Healy. 16th January, 1991". There is also a written "493" at the top of the page which looks to be in the author's hand though its purpose is unknown. Also included is a publisher's promotional offer sheet for the book which is heavily notated by presumably O'Sullivan. On the reverse is a hand-written letter admiring the book but criticizing the way it was packed, resulting in damage to the book. Clearly, the letter was never sent as it is still with the book. In the letter, the writer mentions "buying books from all over the world the world for the past 40 years...". Assuming this is not hyperbole, it may not be possible for the writer to be the journalist as he would not yet have been born 40 years prior to the date of the inscription. Still, very interesting piece of ephemera. From the library of noted New Jersey Irish-Ameican author, collector and professor of Irish history and literature, Tom Fox, with his unobtrusive blind-stamp on the front end-paper. Fox was called by Nicholas Basbanes, ",,, a kindred spirit...assembler of an uncommonly distinctive collection of Irish history and literature". A sharp collectable copy of an uncommon title and rarely found signed. Please note: As this is a very heavy book, International and Priority orders will require additional postage.
Price: $350.00