Posies and Kisses — Arthur L. Humphreys, London, 1911 | First Edition
A scarce and beautifully produced Edwardian collection of romantic posies, mottoes, and rhyming aphorisms, published in London by Arthur L. Humphreys in 1911. This unusual first edition is especially appealing for its decorative binding, five small mounted illustrations, fine deckle-edged paper, and surviving period Brentano’s Paris bookmark and bookseller association.
The verses are arranged alphabetically and draw upon the centuries-old tradition of short romantic mottoes or “posies,” historically associated with love tokens and posy rings. The book is printed with considerable attention to presentation, including an elaborate illustrated title page, a second title printed in red and black, and five separately mounted miniature illustrations.
The flexible green binding is particularly attractive, with an elaborate floral border stamped around the front cover and the title in gilt. The binding shows substantial sun fading, especially around the edges and spine, with the protected central portions retaining their original deeper green. Despite the fading, the decorative stamping remains crisp and the gilt title remains bright.
Brentano’s Paris Association
Of particular interest is the surviving period Brentano’s bookmark from 37 Avenue de l’Opéra, Paris, advertising Brentano’s as “Booksellers & High Class Stationers.” The bookmark specifically promotes the firm's selection of old and rare books, fine bindings, illuminated works, historical autographs, letters, and documents.
The book also retains a Brentano’s bookseller label, providing an appealing connection with one of the best-known English-language booksellers in early 20th-century Paris. The original Brentano’s bookmark will remain with the book.
Copies of this 1911 edition appear scarce in the current antiquarian market, with relatively few examples encountered for sale. The combination of the original decorative binding, complete suite of mounted illustrations, and surviving Brentano’s Paris ephemera makes this an especially interesting example.
Title: Posies and KissesAuthor: AnonymousPublisher: Arthur L. HumphreysPlace: LondonDate: 1911Edition: First EditionPagination: 64 pagesIllustrations: Five small mounted illustrationsBinding: Decorative flexible green binding with floral stamping and gilt titleOther Features: Deckle-edged paper; illustrated title; red-and-black title page; period Brentano’s Paris bookmark and bookseller label
Condition
Good overall; internally Very Good.
The green binding shows pronounced sun fading and discoloration around the perimeter and spine, along with expected edge and corner wear and scattered marks consistent with age. Decorative front-cover stamping remains strong and well defined, and the gilt lettering remains bright.
Internally very well preserved. Pages are notably clean and bright for a book published in 1911, with attractive original deckled edges. The five mounted illustrations are present. Decorative and typographic title pages remain clean and attractive. Original mottled endpapers are present. Period Brentano’s Paris bookmark accompanies the book.
