Illustrated Books and Fine Bindings from James Cummins Bookseller
- by Michael Stillman
The Baroness of Wenman's music book.
Item 61 is a later edition of an interesting work, Voyage Autour de Ma Chambre, by Xavier de Maistre. Originally published in 1794, this is an 1877 printing published in a limited edition by the Librairie des Bibliophiles in 210 copies, this being number 1 of 20 copies printed entirely on China paper. The title translates to “voyage around my room,” and it is a parody of the great travel books of the era, with de Maistre's voyage being limited to the confines of his room. He points out that his travels didn't cost anything, making them ideal for the poor as well as the lazy. $1,250.
Item 10 is a manuscript music album with the letters S.E.W. on the cover. It belonged to Sophia Elizabeth Wykeham, 1st Baroness Wenman of Thame Park. She might not be remembered but for the fact that she was for a while a potential bride for the Duke of Clarence. The Duke was not expected to go much of anywhere, being the third son of King George III, but as his predecessors in line began to whittle down, it became necessary for those further down the line to take seriously the task of providing heirs. The Duke and Sophia became an item, but for whatever reason, he broke it off, married another, and had two children with his wife (he had 10 illegitimate ones earlier), neither of whom survived. The Duke became King William IV in 1830 with no direct heirs. In 1834, he revived the dormant Wenman baronetcy for Sophia, showing there were no hard feelings. $1,000.
