Book Description: London, J. M. Dent. 1893 and 1894. 4to. Two Volumes. First edition, one of 1500 copies in the original parts. Beardsley contributed the front cover design, 16 full-page and 4 double-page illustrations, 43 borders, 288 chapter headings, initial letters, and ornaments. It was the young artist's first major commission, the genesis of which began with a meeting between Beardsley and the publisher J. M. Dent who was looking for someone to illustrate an edition of Malory's Morte Darthur. On seeing Beardsley's trial drawing 'The Achieving of the Sangreal', described by Weintraub as "his first masterpiece", the publisher was reputedly rendered speechless by its quality. Duly commissioned, Beardsley set to work on a very tight schedule given the monthly publication of each part. The drawings, in Pre-Raphaelite style married to the artists's own imagination and Japanese influenced style, made Beardsley's reputation. They are among the most stunning illustrations he ever produced. The Morte Darthur was produced in two different formats, this the 'ordinary' issue in 1500 sets, and a 'superior' issue in 300 numbered copies. When in 1894 the parts issue was due to be completed, customers were offered the opportunity of having their copies bound by the publishers in cloth or vellum with a design by Beardsley. In this instance the customer decided on the cloth covering with the Beardsley designed gilt pattern.
The bindings are in good condition with some yellowing of the cloth with time. The interior is bright, absolutely clean and as new. No tears or foxing. The two Beardsley front page woodcuts are crisp and as clean as the day they were made.
