Nonesuch Press; The Phanseys of William Cavendish, Marquis of Newcastle addressed to Margaret Lucas and her Letters in Reply, Douglas Grant, 1956, numbered limited edition

The Phanseys of William Cavendish, Marquis of Newcastle, addressed to Margaret Lucas and her Letters in Reply was issued by the Nonesuch Press in 1956 as a numbered limited edition, edited by Douglas Grant. The correspondence captures the playful and affectionate exchanges between William Cavendish, Royalist commander and patron of the arts, and his second wife Margaret Lucas, later Duchess of Newcastle. Margaret’s replies are especially significant: she was one of the most unusual and ambitious women writers of the seventeenth century, publishing widely in poetry, plays, philosophy, and even natural science.

She insisted on writing under her own name, defended women’s right to intellectual activity, and produced works ranging from bold philosophical treatises to The Blazing World, often described as an early work of science fiction. This volume preserves a vivid glimpse of the literary and imaginative partnership between the Cavendishes, presented with the characteristic elegance of Nonesuch typography and design.

The Phanseys of William Cavendish, Marquis of Newcastle addressed to Margaret Lucas and her Letters in Reply, edited by Douglas Grant.

Published by the Nonesuch Press, London, 1956 first edition. Numbered limited edition - 380/785. Designed by Francis Meynell.

A very good handsome hardback bound in paper vellum with elaborate gilt, green, red and black decoration. With only light wear and some toning to spine. Binding is sound. Bookplate of 'E. Gordon Lawrence' to first pastedown.

Text pages are bright and clean throughout. Some age toning to edge of text block.

A very attractive volume.

Text in English.

xxxiii + 127pp + (1) Limitation page.

Dimensions: Approximately 200mm high x 121mm wide x 20mm deep.

Weight: Approximately 268g.