Chicago: The Lakeside Press, 1930. Limited Edition. Illustrated by Rudolph Ruzicka. Hardcover in slipcase. Tall octavo. xviii, 355 pages.

The Lakeside Press's beautiful 1930 edition of Thoreau's classic meditation on simple living. Certainly one of the most important and influential works of 19th century American literature.

Thoreau's "Walden" was selected by The Lakeside Press for their "Four American Books" campaign in 1926. The idea was to showcase their ability to produce fine editions on par with European printers. The other three books in the program were "Tales," by Edgar Allan Poe, "Two Years Before the Mast," by Richard Henry Dana, and "Moby Dick," by Herman Melville.

This beautiful edition was designed and illustrated by Rudolph Ruzicka, who took up temporary residence near the site of Thoreau's cabin as he worked on this masterpiece of book design. Printed under the supervision of Donnelley's legendary head of design and typography, William A. Kittredge.

Limited to 1,000 copies, and widely considered to be the definitive illustrated edition of Walden.

Ref. BADARACCO; THE LAKESIDE PRESS ANNOUNCES ILLUSTRATED EDITIONS OF FOUR AMERICAN BOOKS.

Bound in decorative gray paper over boards with yellow cloth spine, gilt-stamped titles and ornaments to spine. Felt-lined slipcase of yellow paper over boards with spine titled in black. A few spots of toning along joints and inner hinges, else fine. Slipcase has some minor soiling and a few short splits at opening joints.

Item #1752

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