Stephens, A.G

Component identifier:

Item 54

Content Summary:

Oblation Illustrations by Norman Lindsay. No imprint. n.d. [1902]

Original brown wrappers. No.6 of 13 special copies, signed in full by the authors (A.G. Stephens and Norman Lindsay) on end paper, together with further inscription by A.G.S. "To Chris. Brennan with esteem, 8th April 1902".

Annotation on end paper: "Dear Harry, I had forgotten, but now recall on seeing the original drawing for Cito Pede why A.G.S. insisted on having the cupid re-drawn. He said I had made a phallic symbol out of the quiver. Possibly I did in all conscious ignorance. I had a hell of a time over those illustrations, none of which A.G.S. seemed to think worthy of his genius, Norman Lindsay".

Accompanying this copy is photographic reproduction of the cancelled drawing, which differs greatly from the final printing. Also a photocopy of the artist's original title-page, upon which, as agreed, the names of both A.G. Stephens and Norman Lindsay appear as authors of the book. This was rejected by A.G.S. and another design substituted but the original is a much more forceful drawing.

Only in the issue of 13 copies is the Villon poem printed in full. In all other issues nineteen words have been replaced by asterisks. This prompted Julian Ashton to write a satirical poem, one verse of which: "Fat Ag-Gie rhyming once we heard, / Oh, fie fat Ag-Gie / Oblations at five bob was absurd / For a guinea she'd print you a nasty word, / Fie, fie, fat Ag-Gie."

Names:

Christopher Brennan

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