1917 The Romance of King Arthur by Alfred Pollard [Charlie and Shirley Watts' Copy]

First edition thus. From the library at Halsdon House, owned by Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts and his wife Shirley. A fantastic abridgement of Malory's Morte D'Arthur with 16 colour plates and 7 monochrome plates by legendary British artist Arthur Rackham. The title was commissioned during WWI to "cash in upon the nation's mood of patriotism and martial endeavour" [Hamilton, Arthur Rackham: A Life with Illustration, pg. 111] and was hugely inspired by his own copy of Beardsley's Morte D'Arthur while planning his illustrations.

In good condition with a cracked gutter following the frontispiece, front board a little wobbly, prelims loosening on that side. The remainder of the block is solid and generally clean bar a few small spots. Corners lightly bumped, spine gilt somewhat faded, the odd handling mark. The bookplate of British philanthropist Osyth Eustace Smith is adhered to the front pastedown. Very attractive plates in Rackham's signature style. Bound in navy cloth with gilt titles to front and spine, gilt mounted trumpeter stamped to front board. 21.5 x 17 cm. Pp. [iv], xxiv, 509.