Pair of mockups for the 1978 picture book THE DEVIL'S TAIL, featuring two different layouts for the text and McPhail's illustrations.
Very good plus overall.
Price: $1,750.00
"For me, pictures tell a parallel story, especially in picture books…I draw for me." – David McPhail
David McPhail's artistic style has been described as "marked by soft shading; bucolic spreads; a dreamy, gentle light... a certain delicacy" (Danielson), all of which are visible even in these mockups.
This pair demonstrates the care that goes into developing a picture book. They are laid out in notably different ways: the inscribed mockup features more in-text illustrations, while the other puts more emphasis on full-page illustrations. The latter mockup also features copious text corrections that do not appear in the former; this indicates that it is likely a later iteration on the road to the book's eventual publication in 1978. It is fairly unusual to see two different surviving mockups for the same work, allowing a sense not only of the book's evolution, but also of how mockups were created in different formats to emphasize particular aspects of the production.
Read more: Julie Danielson, "Seven Questions Over Breakfast with David McPhail," Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast.
n.p. n.p, [circa 1978]. 8.5'' x 7'' (inscribed mockup); 9'' x 6.5'' (second mockup). Original hand-illustrated wrappers. Hand-illustrated line drawings in black. 3-62 (first bifolium likely lacking); 56 pages, typewritten text affixed with tape. One mockup inscribed by McPhail to front, "Best wishes / from / David McPhail." Inscribed mockup with some toning to margins of front wrapper, a bit of soil; both volumes with mild edgewear. Solid and clean overall. Accompanied by a copy of the first edition.
We work hard to meet our ethical responsibility to describe our material accurately. All items are guaranteed as described and may be returned for any reason within 30 days. Please notify us before mailing a return.
We guarantee the authenticity of our items. All materials are original (meaning not facsimiles or reproductions) unless otherwise noted. First editions (meaning first edition, first printing) are explicitly stated. TPM is a member of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America and upholds their Code of Ethics.
All photographs are of the actual item for sale. We're happy to provide additional images on request.
All domestic orders ship gratis. For orders under $250, free USPS media mail shipping is included; orders $250 and over ship USPS Priority. International orders over $500 also ship gratis. Expedited, overnight, as well as other carriers (UPS, Fed-Ex, etc.), may carry additional costs beyond quoted rates. All orders receive tracking information and a direct contact in case of any questions.
International buyers are responsible for any customs, taxes, and related import fees. Please note that we are unable to accomodate requests to misrepresent, misdeclare, or otherwise falsify customs documents when shipping internationally. We appreciate your understanding.
We accept all major credit cards, Paypal, Venmo, check, money order, and bank wire. We are happy to bill institutional buyers' needs. Sales tax will be added to applicable purchases. Items subject to prior sale.
If for any reason you are dissatisfied with your purchase, please contact us. We prioritize our long-term relationships far above any individual purchase, and we want you to love your item as much as we loved cataloguing it.
Type Punch Matrix is a rare book firm founded by Rebecca Romney and Brian Cassidy.
Read more about TPM.
