First and limited editions, presentation set inscribed in each volume by the editor, 450 copies of each volume were printed at the Curwen Press for distribution in Britain (250 for the US, or 300 in the case of Number III); decidedly uncommon in the dust jackets, and rare thus. Each volume bears a contemporary presentation inscription from the editor Herbert Furst to John Lee, in order: "To J.L. In remembrance of Christmas 1926 from H.F. with every good wish"; "The promised and much belated, Xmas Greeting To my dear friend John Lee. - 1927/28. The Editor"; "To John Lee - The usual - but this time with particular emphasis. Xmas 1928. Feb: 3: 1929. from Herbert Furst"; "Post festum: As usual: hope you are not getting tired of these volumes. With last year's Xmas greetings and this year's good wishes to John Lea from the Editor H.F. Feb: 12: 1930". An iconic production, with contributions from all of the leading wood engravers of the period, including Eric Gill, John Nash, David Jones, Eric Ravilious, Käthe Kollwitz, Gwen Raverat, Blair Hughes-Stanton, Emil Nolde, Alexander Kravchenko, Paul Nash, Rockwell Kent, Gertrude Hermes, Aristide Maillol, Gordon Craig, Clare Leighton, John Buckland-Wright, and Alexandre Alexeieff, among others. There are also important essays by Robert Gibbings on the Golden Cockerel Press, Eric Gill on intaglio printing from wood blocks, and Paul Nash on woodcut patterns.
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