Twice Seven, H. C. Bainbridge — 1st Edition
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Publication: London, George Routledge & Sons, Ltd., 1933
Formatting: 8vo, pp. xi, 312.
Condition Report: Very Good. The binding remains tight, square, and structurally sound, presented in the publisher's original blue cloth with bright gilt titling to the spine. There is minor shelf-wear to the extremities, including gentle rubbing to the corner tips and slight softening to the spine ends, alongside a few faint, superficial marks to the boards. The textblock edges, which are entirely untrimmed to the fore and lower edges, exhibit typical age-toning and dust-soiling, particularly to the top edge. Internally, the pages are largely bright and clean, though there is some scattered light foxing, primarily restricted to the preliminary leaves and extreme page margins, as is customary for this paper stock. A highly presentable and well-preserved copy.
Catalogue Note: A scarce true first edition, first impression. Twice Seven holds significant appeal for two distinct collecting demographics: those interested in the life and works of the eccentric author Frederick Rolfe (Baron Corvo), and collectors of Peter Carl Fabergé.
Bainbridge’s autobiography is highly prized for its extensive and sympathetic firsthand accounts of Baron Corvo, whom Bainbridge knew intimately during a shared period in Hampstead. Furthermore, Bainbridge later became the London agent for Fabergé, providing an invaluable historical record of the Russian jeweller's operations and clientele in the early twentieth century, as evidenced by the striking Fabergé creation featured in the frontispiece.
Early printings in the original cloth are increasingly uncommon on the open market.
Twice Seven is the captivating autobiography of H. C. Bainbridge, a man whose varied life brought him into close contact with some of the most remarkable and enigmatic figures of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Central to the narrative is Bainbridge’s profound friendship with Frederick Rolfe, better known as Baron Corvo, whom he famously describes as his 'celestial master' and 'greatest Christian'. Offering a rare, sympathetic perspective on the notoriously difficult Corvo, the book explores their shared interests in Roman Catholic ritual and the Renaissance. Additionally, the memoir traces Bainbridge's fascinating career as the London representative for the legendary Russian jeweller Peter Carl Fabergé, offering readers a unique glimpse into a vanished world of imperial luxury and literary eccentricity.
Book Condition: Very Good
Book Authors: H. C. Bainbridge
Book Publisher: George Routledge & Sons, Ltd.
Book Language: English
Narrative Type: Non-Fiction
Genre: Autobiography, Biography & Memoirs
Book edition: First Edition
Signed: No
Book Pages: 312
Book Publication Year: 1933
Book Publication Date:
Book Binding: Hardcover
Illustrator: N/A
Book Series: N/A
Country/region of manufacture: London, 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. |
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