Small collection kindly lent by their owners. Sixth edition. 8vo., original tan printed wrappers, artist's butterfly monogram to upper wrapper, stapled as issued, housed in a custom made folding box. London, Goupil Gallery, 1892.
A presentation copy, inscribed in ink on the title page 'To John Bancroft -', followed by the artist's butterfly monogram. Bancroft was an American businessman who initially wanted to be a painter, so of course went to Paris in the 1860s, where he first met Whistler. Bancroft discovered Japanese prints at the same time, importing them from Japan. He soon became a better businessman than painter, and few records survive of his friendship with Whistler until 1891, when he became involved in a plan to buy some of his best work from the artist. (See Burlington magazine volume 136 for an account by William B. Stieger.) Whistler took affront at what he saw as Bancroft's scheming, and the friendship ended.
Staples rusted, some endemic browning, extremities a touch rubbed, crease to front and back covers.
