Art…is evidence of man’s opposition to mere necessity
Reading J.G. P. Delaney’s biography of book, theatre set and book and typeface designer, art critic, painter, sculptor Charles Ricketts (1866-1931) I came across this quote on page 26:
"Art…is evidence of man’s opposition to mere necessity and chance and the nearest approximation to a sense of immortality."
This creed, which accorded beauty the highest value, was spurned by the British public. This put Ricketts, who lived by it, at odds with society, filled with a sense of isolation.
A little further along, I read of Ricketts and his companion Charles Shannon setting up The Vale Press and moving into 52 Warick Street. "Though they were still in the middle of the painting and carpentry work in the little shop, they felt they should issue a prospectus of their publications."
A quick search on ABE Books yielded this:
Title: The List of Books to be published by Messrs. Hacon & Ricketts
Description: Printed in Vale type on unbleached Arnold paper, bearing the Vale Press watermark. Publisher’s device with a rose and foliage. Wood-engraved initial. A near fine copy. Advertises: The Early Poems of Milton, The Passionate Pilgrim, Songs of Innocence and ten other books. (van Capelleveen C31)
Total cost including shipping: about $40 US.
Can’t wait to get my hands on it.
