Out of the Ivory Gate [Kit-Kat Press]

Item Details

Hunton Bridge, England:, The Kit-Kat Press,, 1978., Wraps

Limited Edition, Fine

First published in 1922 under the title 'The Dream' in Papers from Lilliput, this elegant private press edition returns one of J. B. Priestley's earliest reflective essays to print in a format worthy of its literary character. Produced by Kenneth Hardacre at The Kit-Kat Press, the volume combines thoughtful typography with restrained fine press design, emphasizing both Priestley's prose and the craftsmanship of the book itself.

Although best remembered as one of Britain's foremost novelists, dramatists, and essayists, Priestley consistently explored imagination, memory, dreams, and the unseen dimensions of ordinary experience. Out of the Ivory Gate reflects these enduring interests in a concise essay that bridges literary reflection and philosophical meditation.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Number 82 of an edition limited to 200 copies, hand-set in Palatino type. Designed and printed by Kenneth Hardacre on Basingwerk Parchment paper. Rust-colored Strathmore Artlaid card wrappers with fawn endpapers, printed and decorated paper label mounted to the upper cover, sewn with thread. Measuring 5 by 8.25 inches (210 × 125 mm); [1–4], 5–11, [12–16] pages.

CONDITION: Fine. No flaws or blemishes. Bindings remain tight and square; text is crisp and clean. A beautifully preserved example presenting as gift quality.

LITERARY SIGNIFICANCE — AN EARLY VISION OF PRIESTLEY'S IMAGINATION BEFORE THE GREAT NOVELS
Published when Priestley was still establishing his literary reputation, the essay anticipates many of the philosophical concerns that later appeared in his fiction, broadcasting, and essays. His interest in time, memory, dreams, and the hidden dimensions of everyday experience would become defining characteristics of his mature work.

THE PRIVATE PRESS REVIVAL
By the late twentieth century, presses such as The Kit-Kat Press played an important role in preserving shorter literary works that might otherwise remain scattered through early periodicals and anthologies. Kenneth Hardacre's careful typography and restrained design allow Priestley's prose to take center stage while honoring the traditions of fine British letterpress printing.

PRIESTLEY THE ESSAYIST
Although celebrated internationally for works such as The Good Companions, Angel Pavement, and An Inspector Calls, Priestley regarded the essay as an essential vehicle for exploring ideas that lay beyond conventional storytelling. Out of the Ivory Gate demonstrates the reflective, humane voice that made him one of Britain's most admired public intellectuals.

KEY FEATURES
+++ An Early Priestley Text — Reprints Priestley's 1922 essay, first published as 'The Dream' in Papers from Lilliput, preserving an early exploration of themes that would recur throughout his fiction, drama, and essays.
+++ Dreams and the Inner Life — Reveals Priestley's lifelong fascination with dreams, memory, imagination, and the elusive boundary between everyday experience and the subconscious, concerns that became hallmarks of his mature writing.
+++ Fine Letterpress Craftsmanship — Designed and printed by Kenneth Hardacre using hand-set Palatino type on Basingwerk Parchment, exemplifying the enduring standards of twentieth-century British private press printing.
+++ Limited Private Press Edition — One of only 200 numbered copies, thoughtfully produced in sewn Strathmore Artlaid wrappers with decorative paper label, combining literary importance with fine bookmaking.
+++ A Forgotten Early Voice — Preserves a short work that bridges Priestley's formative literary years and the mature themes of time, memory, and imagination that would define much of his later career.

SUBJECTS: J. B. Priestley, Out of the Ivory Gate, The Dream, Papers from Lilliput, Kenneth Hardacre, Kit-Kat Press, Private Press, Fine Printing, Letterpress Printing, British Literature, Literary Essays, Modern First Editions, Limited Editions, Private Press; Fine Printing; Literary Essays; British Literature.

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