The collection of myths, ghost stories and poems by ‘Thomas Ingoldsby of Tappington Manor’ was actually the work of Richard Harris Barham (1788-1845), a Church of England cleric with an independent living and some time on his hands.
First printed in 1837 as a series in Bentley’s Miscellany and later in New Monthly Magazine, the collection of poems and prose works was compiled into books first published in 1840, 1842 and 1847.
The verses and stories, which are often humorous, remained popular throughout the 19th century and were illustrated several times including, in 1898, by Arthur Rackham.
Published by William Heinemann of London, 1929, this copy features Rackham’s illustrations and was bound by a student or teacher at the Bournville School of Art, Birmingham, in 1930.
It is available at the fair for £650.
Quarto reprint of The Ingoldsby Legends or Mirth and Marvels by Thomas Ingoldsby, published London: Willian Heinemann, 1929, illustrated by Arthur Rackham and offered in an Arts & Crafts binding by Sky Duthie Rare Books for £650.
One day only
The fair is usually two days long, taking place at the ILEC Conference Centre at the IBIS London in Earls Court.
This year, due to refurbishment works at the usual venue, it runs for one day only, May 19, at the Holiday Inn London in Bloomsbury. The event ishould return to its normal slot and venue next year.
Around 60 specialists in books, maps, prints and ephemera are expected to attend.
Organiser Andrew Saidi of White Eagle Books says: “We are particularly pleased to be part of a continuing upward trend in rare book buying and collecting which is being reflected in success stories around the UK. This year in particular we continue to attract large visitor numbers to both our prestigious fairs and local provincial fairs. Sales reflect this.”
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the PBFA, which, Saidi adds, was founded to bring books to the people.
He says: “In this year’s fair we hope to attract a younger and more diverse group of visitors anxious to discover those celebrated authors, classic titles and ephemera covering manuscripts, maps and posters. Something for everyone.”
