Ardizzone, Edward ~ Diary Of A War Artist : With A Long H/W Letter From The Author Referring To This Title

The Bodley Head, London : 1974

The First UK printing published by The Bodley Head, London in 1974. The BOOK is in Very Good++ condition with just a little fading to the cloth edges. Light toning to the text-block. Free from inscriptions and erasures. The gilt titling remains bright. The WRAPPER is neatly price-clipped and is in Very Good++ condition. Mild age-wear with some rubbing, nicks and a little creasing at the spine ends and edges. A small tape repair to the verso of the upper rear spine corner. Very light fading of colouring to the spine. The wrapper is protected in a removable Brodart archival cover. Loosely inserted is a 2 page H/W letter written by the author on his personal headed paper and dated '2nd Aug. 76' : 'Dear Paul, Thank you for your nice letter. I’m glad you are a fan of mine. I find giving advice rather difficult as everybody is somewhat different but all the same here is mine for what it’s worth. I suppose you are still at school but when you leave, in fact as soon as you can, attend a life class and practice drawing the figure. Most art schools and polytechnics run evening life classes. Then study the works of the master draughtsman such as Caldecott, Leech, Keene and don’t be frightened of copying them. Daumier is another chapter chap to admire. This is one way to get knowledge which you can use later. Go to art galleries and look at the painting of the Masters. It all helps. Get books on anatomy for artists and simple perspective. But the best practice of all is to acquire a small sketchbook and write down something every day, something that has amused you or interested you or even something horrid and then with the pen you have been using make an illustration on the same page from memory of something you have done. With Best wishes Edward Ardizzone., If you can get from your local library my “Diary of a War Artist', you will understand." The letter has been folded twice. The letter offers interesting insights from the acclaimed (war) artist and illustrator. Collectible.

BINDING: Hardcover
CONDITION: Very Good++
JACKET: Very Good++