The Spoils of Poynton
James, Henry. The Spoils of Poynton. New Directions, ca. 1950. Hardbound. Before New Directions became known for its signature B&W photographic covers, its New Classics series was recognizable by mid-century maestro Alvin Lustig's innovative jacket designs. Here he engages with the classic James novel in typical fashion, referencing metal type in a riff on an urn-shaped ornament, juxtaposing it with improvisatory handwriting, and printing it in black and red, the colors of materiality, representing the novel's resident hoarder Mrs. Gereth, who says of her collection, 'They’re living things to me; they know me, they return the touch of my hand.'
Tight, square spine. Clean, unmarked interior. Some light foxing to the end-sheets and some light shelf-wear to the boards. Mylar-protected jacket is not price clipped and has some chipping, edge-wear, and areas of very light soiling. 323 pp. Featured Rare & Collectible.
