(London: Adam and Charles Black, 1907).

FIRST EDITION AND A CHARMING A. & C. BLACK ILLUSTRATED PUBLICATION. This book conjures up the English countryside and architecture perfectly. Although Ball was initially known for his etchings, his major success came from watercolors of rural landscapes and marine subjects, especially in the counties of Buckinghamshire, Surrey, Norfolk, Sussex, Wiltshire, and Hampshire. He exhibited frequently at the Royal Academy; the Royal Society of Painters, Etchers and Engravers; the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours; and other venues. This is one of only two books illustrated with Ball's paintings. The prose is by Hillaire Belloc. Joseph Hilaire Pierre René Belloc, the famous Anglo-French writer and historian, was one of the most prolific writers in England during the early twentieth century. He was known as a writer, orator, poet, sailor, satirist, man of letters, soldier and political activist. Item #29221

First of the reissue with slight alterations. With 75 very fine and evocative colourplates from the fine landscape paintings of Wilfred Ball, and with a folding sketch map of the area. 8vo, publisher's original turquoise-blue cloth, the spine and upper cover both gilt lettered and featuring decorations in a flower and bird motif in cream, green and gilt. ix, 197pp. A bright and attractive copy, the text very clean, the plates all very fine and bright, the hinges strong and tight, the cloth especially well preserved with only minimal evidence of age or darkening to the cloth.