The Focus of Life. The Mutterings of Aaos.
London: Askin Publishers, 1976. Facsimile Edition, Limited. Hardcover. Small folio (12.75 x 10 inches). xii + 44pp (plus 11 plates). Original blue textured papered boards lettered in gilt on spine. Eleven full page black and white illustrations by Spare. Edition limited to 500 numbered copies. A facsimile edition of Austin Osman Spare's magical-philosophical discourse which was originally published in 1921. This new edition was published in 1976 by Stephen Skinner under the Askin Press imprint, and was one of the works that was instrumental in the rediscovery of Spare, his art and magic, which had only then take place. Although there have been several fine reprints since, this reissue is perhaps closest, in feel and in size, to the work as it was originally published by Spare in 1921. Lightly indented mark across back board (corresponds to a scratch in the dustjacket), bumped at foot of spine, and corners bruised. A little yellowing to the endpapers, all else VG + in near VG dustjacket (chipped at head and foot of spine, and rubbed at points, a couple of short tears, and one long scratch in back panel). Now protected by a mylar sleeve. Despite the list of flaws, actually a much better copy than it sounds. Item #33403
Sold