William Blake: The 1955 Trianon Press Facsimile
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The date and publisher are essential when comparing a Blake publication. A later facsimile reproduces an earlier work, but remains a separate publication with its own paper, printing, limitation and binding.
Identify the publication
The National Library of New Zealand records a 1955 Songs of Innocence and of Experience facsimile published by Trianon Press for the William Blake Trust. This identifies the later facsimile, rather than an original book printed by Blake.
Identify the particular copy
The Breething Books catalog copy is described as copy 479 of 526, reproducing the Rosenwald–Library of Congress copy Z. The listing records green morocco and a slipcase with rubbing and wear. Those details belong to this cataloged copy; they should not be assumed to describe every Trianon publication.
Compare the right details
Check the title, publication statement and limitation leaf. Ask which original copy the facsimile reproduces, and compare binding, slipcase and condition with photographs. A facsimile’s quality and collecting interest do not require calling its images original Blake prints.
Blake’s original illuminated books can differ between copies. The William Blake Archive’s discussion of original Songs copy E illustrates why identifying the source copy matters. A reference to copy E should not be transferred to a facsimile described as reproducing copy Z.
Explore our William Blake page and Fine Press.
References: National Library of New Zealand catalog; William Blake Archive: Songs copy E.
Questions about a particular copy? Email breethingbooks@gmail.com with the title and the detail you would like to see.