Christmas Tales, George Mackay Brown — 1st Edition, Limited
In stock
Shipping is calculated at checkout.
Publication Lastingham, The Celtic Cross Press, 2010
Formatting 8vo, pp. 32.
Condition Report Fine. This beautifully printed fine press edition is preserved in superb, collector's condition. The quarter dark green cloth over light blue cloth boards remains remarkably sharp and clean, with no evidence of bumping, rubbing, or shelf-wear to the extremities. The gilt snowflake motif on the front board and the titling to the spine are brilliantly unoxidised and bright. Internally, the binding is perfectly tight and square, and the text block is immaculate. Printed on pristine paper, the leaves are entirely free from any foxing, marking, or toning, presenting a crisp, flawless interior.
Catalogue Note This is a highly sought-after, limited first edition of Christmas Tales, printed and published by Rosemary Roberts' esteemed Celtic Cross Press. The edition is strictly limited to 125 copies, of which this is number 48. The book is numbered and signed by the artist, Rosemary Roberts, on the colophon.
The volume is beautifully produced, set in Goudy Old Style and printed via letterpress. It features striking linocut illustrations in two colours by Rosemary Roberts, printed directly from the blocks. The exceptional binding, quarter cloth over boards, was expertly executed by the renowned Ludlow Bookbinders.
Given its strictly limited print run, the volume is quite scarce on the open market, particularly in such immaculate condition. It stands as a wonderful example of contemporary British fine press production.
A beautiful fine press collection, Christmas Tales brings together George Mackay Brown’s evocative winter writings. Exploring themes of light amidst darkness, Brown masterfully intertwines traditional folk beliefs with Christian narratives, setting his stories within the rugged, wind-swept landscapes of Orkney. This illustrated edition celebrates the winter season through the eyes of one of Scotland’s most distinguished twentieth-century literary voices, offering a deeply atmospheric reading experience perfectly suited for the winter months.
Book Condition: Fine
Book Authors: George Mackay Brown
Book Publisher: The Celtic Cross Press
Book Language: English
Narrative Type: Fiction
Genre: Modern Fiction
Book edition: First Edition
Signed: Yes
Book Pages: 32
Book Publication Year: 2010
Book Publication Date:
Book Binding: Hardcover
Illustrator: Rosemary Roberts
Book Series: N/A
Country/region of manufacture: Lastingham, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Book Dimensions:
Book Condition Guide
| Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| New | A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage. |
| As New | The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years. |
| Fine | The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked. |
| Near Fine | The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition. |
| Very Good | The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present. |
| Good | A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy. |
| Fair | A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity. |
| Poor | A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance. |
Get in touch
You may also like
Join the Broadhurst Archive
Be the first to hear about rare new arrivals, signed editions, and literary events. A century of stories delivered straight to your inbox.