J.H. Leopold - Cheops [Zilverdistel] - 1916

One of the most sought-after bibliophile editions in the Dutch-language sphere. Print run of 70 hand-numbered copies (50 Arabic-numbered and 20 Roman-numbered kept at the publisher's disposal). Our copy is number 32.

Condition: Quarter-bound with a parchment spine (there are also copies bound entirely in parchment; I do not know which portion of the edition this is). The Silver Thistle vignette on the front board. As always, the edition is rust-spotted. This particular copy perhaps more so than usual! Further in good condition. The Silver Thistle 13.

¶ Printed on its own press by J.F. van Royen as the first edition for De Vereeniging der Vyftig.
Perhaps the most sought-after and valued Silver Thistle, not least because of the magnificent poem. With regard to the printing history:
In early 1916 P.N. van Eyck sought Leopold's permission to print the poem as a De Zilverdistel edition. On 3 March 1916 Leopold replied:
Principieele bezwaren heb ik niet tegen inwilliging van Uw verzoek. Het zou dan wel een buitengewoon dun boekje worden, dat U wenscht uit te geven, maar als dat overeenkomstig Uwe bedoeling en naar het programma van den prospectus is, dan leg ik er mij bij neer. En dus, gaarne stel ik het bedoelde gedicht ter Uwer beschikking en verheug er mij in voor mijn gering deel te kunnen medewerken met Uw sympathieke onderneming.
As copy, the magazine issue served. Van Eyck drew attention to two typesetting errors, which in his response suggested two changes in punctuation. Van Eyck worked with Jean François van Royen, who gave typographic instructions and had a hand press at home. The text was set in Zilvertype, a typeface designed by S.H. de Roos especially for De Zilverdistel. On the instruction of Van Royen, De Roos also provided the colored initials and the distinctive lettering of the opening line. At the bottom of the poem, in red letters, appeared 'Explicit Cheops', an addition by Van Eyck and Van Royen. In August 1916 the poem appeared as a standalone 16-page booklet from De Zilverdistel in a run of 50 numbered copies at ten guilders each and 20 Roman-numbered copies not to be placed on the market. This edition sold out during 1917.

Source: Wikipedia
See also: Paul van Capelleveen & Clemens de Wolf [eds.] Het ideale boek - Honderd jaar Private Press in Nederland 1910-2010