[WHISTLER, James McNeill, 1834-1903]

[Piracy] The gentle art of making enemies: edited by Sheridan Ford [Unopened]

New York [but Ghent]: Frederick Stokes & Brother, 1890. Card Covers. Unauthorized (Pirated) Edition (preceding an ordinary trade edition and a signed limited edition published, respectively, in June and August the same year) of the collected published newspaper correspondence of James McNeill Whistler, chronicling his impassioned exchanges with such eminences as John Ruskin, Oscar Wilde, and Harry Quilter. Foolscap 8vo (172 x 105mm): [6],xi-xvii,[2],21-256pp,[4]pp. Unopened in original publisher's heavy drab speckled wrappers stamped in scarlet. Handsomely housed in purpose-made black cloth chemise and grey paper-covered slipcase with black morocco lettering piece gilt. Beautifully preserved example of a cheaply produced book, tightly bound (expertly recased) and clean and crisp throughout (virtually pristine). Fine. Item #BB2601

In August, 1889, the freelance journalist and art critic Sheridan Ford began editing a thick portfolio of Whistler's published newspaper correspondence that Whistler had been compiling since the 1860s, recording his "jousts" with various "enemies." Whistler commissioned Chatto & Windus to publish this retrospective of his "literary" career, but then abruptly withdrew permission and dismissed Ford. In retaliation, in February, 1890, Ford, in possession of the printer's plates, hired a publisher in Antwerp. Whistler's lawyer charged Ford with infringement of copyright and confiscated the 2,000 copies printed. Undeterred, Ford fled to Ghent and issued some 4,000 copies bearing Paris and New York imprints (the latter that of Frederick Stokes). Ford's introduction declares, "I commend the book to Mr. Whistler's enemies, with the soothing assurance that should each of them purchase a copy the edition will be exhausted in a week." (see Sutherland, Whistler: A Life for Art's Sake, pp. 242-46) In June, William Heinemann brought out the authorized edition. N. B. With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition, carefully preserved in archival, removable mylar sleeves. All orders are packaged with care and posted promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed. (Fine Editions Ltd is a member of the Independent Online Booksellers Association, and we subscribe to its codes of ethics.).

Price: $1,024.00