presentation copy

Kunz' monograph on the pearl has been described as 'One of the most beautiful books published in the United States' (Sinkankas). Prized for the enormous amount of reliable information it contains. This is an early issue binding, the first issue being distinguished by cream pearls to the cover and the top edge being gilt.

Inscribed by the author in blue ink of the front flyleaf: 'Written for / Chester Benson Esq. / with the sincerest appreciation / of the senior author / George Frederick Kunz / "thrice flung in the deep / I rise from beneath / a fish on each finger / and a pearl in my teeth" / 7 July 1927'.

First edition, early issue with variant binding (lacking pearl decoration and gilt top edge), inscribed by the author; 4to; 25 colour plates and numerous black & white, 5 maps, illustrations in text; publisher's turquoise cloth, elaborately blocked in gilt, corners bumped, rubbing to extremities, a few minor marks, otherwise very bright and internally fine; 548 pp.

Sinkankas 3690.