TAKEN FROM LIFE

First edition, first printing. Publisher's original green cloth with titles in gilt to the upper board and spine. Page edges untrimmed. Illustrated with 7 full page photographic portrait plates by E.O. Hoppé. A very good copy, the binding square and firm with a crack to the top corner of the upper board and minor wear to the extremities. The contents with a two inch tear to the tissue guard of the frontispiece and a little toning to the endpapers are otherwise clean throughout and free from any previous owners' inscriptions or stamps.

A work of social commentary by J.D. Beresford (1873-1947), a follower of H.G. Wells who is now best remembered for his early science fiction and horror writing, presenting seven character studies of individuals met on the streets of London: a tramp; a cabman; a drug-friend; a pedlar; an old countrywoman; a courtesan, and a charwoman. E.O. Hoppé (1878-1972), one of the most celebrated photographic artists of his era, was the initial instigator of the work, looking to create portraits of those from the lower strata of society, as opposed to the rich and famous who commonly frequented his studio. Together they sought to present a selection of "certain little pieces of human history", combing frank biography with Hoppé's evocative, vaguely mysterious portraits to great effect. A fascinating collaboration. Provenance: from the library of Martin Stone.