Wednesday, Sep 01, 2021

Gulliver was published in October 1929 and marked the first book of over 600 titles in the 80 years of LEC publications.

 

A lot of thought went into all aspects of LEC books, including the text used for their books. For Gulliver Macy decided to use the original text. He wanted to represent a book that was close to what Swift intended. It’s been adapted into many editions of children books, but at its heart it was an adult tale with a sometime darker side, and this is the version that was published.

George Macy had no doubt that Alexander King was the right illustrator for the first adult illustrated version of this classic book and I will have to agree. King’s illustrations perfectly reflect the mood of the book.

I believe this quote in Quarto – Millenary 1959, by George Macy perfectly summarize the book

“Now that the world is drowning in ugliness, we turn to our illustrated books seeking pretty pictures rich in color. In 1929, however, the world was unbearably rich and beautiful and we turned to our illustrated books for stark and ugly pictures. Alexander King was the arch-priest of this “cult of ugliness”, and he gave our first book a set of fierce, savage pictures which could have made Dean Swift roar with pleasure. Unless my researches are inadequate, this is the first adult illustrated edition of Gulliver’s Travels; previously illustrated editions were all intended for the children. The text is the version carefully edited by Harold Williams, and the introduction a fine one from Shane Leslie: both Swiftians of high rank. Now I am glad indeed that our first book was one for which the text was carefully prepared; for most publishers of illustrated books did not, and do not, pay proper attention to their text. I am glad that we served notice upon collectors that we were going to give them books they could read with satisfaction, as well as admire.” – George Macy

The book was bound by George McKibbin & Son in half pigskin, blind stamped with natural linen sides. 308 pages, 7 ½ x 11 inches. It is a very hard book to find in reasonable condition, the leather spine in particular tend to show much wear. The book shown in the pictures, from my personal Library, fortunately is a better than average copy.

The book was printed by Norman T Munder, set on monotype Italian Old Style on Worthy Gracian Special paper

This book is #61 of 1500 copies, signed by the illustrator Alexander King

As with any new venture the publication of Gulliver did not happen without some drama. There was a serious disagreement with printer Norman Munder on unapproved cost. Throughout his tenure George proved to be unsympathetic to unapproved costs added after the fact, but was usually very reasonable if issues or problems were brought to his attention in advance.