The Society of Old Friends Nineteenth Annual Dinner Programme, The Society of Old Friends

£125.00

The Society of Old Friends Nineteenth Annual Dinner Programme, The Society of Old Friends

Name: The Society of Old Friends Nineteenth Annual Dinner Programme, The Society of Old Friends
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 5220
Price: 125.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

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£125.00

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Publication: London, The Society of Old Friends, 1928

Formatting: 8vo, pp. [8].

Condition Report: Very Good. The paper wrappers remain remarkably crisp and well-preserved for an ephemeral item of this vintage, displaying only light, scattered foxing primarily confined to the outer covers. The edges show negligible wear, avoiding the creases and chipping common to such fragile survival items, and the central fold remains sharp and completely intact. Internally, the pages are exceptionally clean and bright, with the intricate cover etching and the handsome internal bookplate retaining deep, striking contrast without any fading. A very tidy, structurally sound example of a delicate historical piece.

Catalogue Note: This original menu and programme was produced for the Nineteenth Annual Dinner of The Society of Old Friends, held at the Café Monico in London on Friday, November 30th, 1928. The Society, founded in 1909 by a convivial group of booksellers, publishers, and stationers, hosted distinguished figures from the literary and business worlds to celebrate their fellowship. The Guest of Honour for this evening was Mr. L. G. Sloan.

The programme is beautifully adorned with an inset etching of Venice to the front cover and features an ornate 'Ex Libris' bookplate illustration of the Society to the inner flap, complete with their motto, "Forsake Not An Old Friend." The internal pages list a lavish multi-course menu, the schedule of toasts, and an impressive roll call of past society guests, including H.G. Wells, John Buchan, and Ian Hay.

It bears a neat, unobtrusive contemporary ownership signature (J. H. Gay) in pencil to the inner rear wrapper. Ephemeral items from the Society's early decades are exceptionally scarce on the open market, as they were printed in strictly limited numbers solely for the evening's attendees.

A remarkable and exceptionally scarce piece of 1920s publishing ephemera, this original menu and programme from The Society of Old Friends' 1928 Annual Dinner captures the convivial spirit of early 20th-century British bookselling. Hosted at London's Café Monico with President Frank House presiding, the elegant programme features a multi-course banquet menu, historic society details, and fine inset illustrations. A wonderful survival for collectors of dining ephemera, book-trade history, or rare societal menus.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: The Society of Old Friends

Book Publisher: The Society of Old Friends

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Antiquarian

Genre: Ephemera

Book edition:

Signed: No

Book Pages: 8

Book Publication Year: 1928

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Softcover

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: London, United Kingdom

Book Dimensions:

Book Condition Guide

We stock thousands of books in a wide range of conditions. To make things clear and to help you know exactly what to expect, Please refer to these condition categories to understand the condition of the book you will receive.

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.

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