The Sphinx, No. 1. Tuesday, June 4th, 1907

A rare first issue of this Eton College magazine

Author

Publisher

Printing Details

First edition. Single issue of The Sphinx, rebound in blue cloth with simple gilt titling to spine. 26 × 19.5cm, 16pp.

This appears to be the first issue of a magazine titled "The Sphinx" produced by pupils at Eton College (No 1, Tuesday, June 4, 1907, the day of Procession of the Boats), and according to the introductory editorial it jovially declares itself not to be in competition with the E.C.C. (the Eton College Chronicle, the main magazine by the pupils). It consists of short humorous pieces, poems, satirical letters (eg on the topic of memory training by A. K. R. Ibber). There is one illustrations bound in from The Sphinx supplement which is a Max Beerbohm caricature of Lord Rosebery (also titled "A Distinguished Etonian"). The last two or three pages are local adverts for tailors, outfitters etc.

The magazine has been bound retaining the original blue textured paper covers (with blank pages before and after to balance the binding). Also bound in is a list of Eton College Speeches for the same day as publication (Tuesday, June 4th, 1907), which has been printed on stiff card and is gilt-edged. Loosely inserted is a card for the Imperial College Boat Club's Eton Trip, with annotated timings. tides etc.

Condition

The blue cloth binding is in good condition for age, with some rubbing and bumping to the spine ends and corners. There is minor loss to the original covers, and the magazine's main body of text is in good order, if a trifle tanned. A rare piece of Eton College ephemera.

More images available on request.

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