Dearest Vera
Authored by: Kenneth Grant, Steffi Grant, Austin Osman Spare
Published by: Fulgur Press
In his late creative life, Spare was sought out by artists and writers eager to receive insights of experience from the ‘Walworth Road Surrealist.’ And yet, there were very few indeed who became good friends. Vera Wainwright was one such friend. She arrived in Spare’s life as the clouds of war cast a long shadow over South London, and sought him out amid the debris of the blitz to offer her support and affection. Dearest Vera is an account of their friendship told by Spare himself, through the many letters sent to his new pupil.
Those familiar with Spare will find new insights to his life and theories on art, while newcomers will discover an eccentric and gifted artist sharing a lifetime’s experience with an eager pupil. Compiled by Kenneth and Steffi Grant, this kaleidoscope of correspondence is a rare treat, and a major resource for those seeking to better understand this complex and neglected genius.
Austin Osman Spare (1886-1956) is one of the most influential and innovative figures in twentieth century occultism. A natural artist and psychic, Spare’s explorations of the creative focus gave rise to an ontology and body of work that departs radically from conventional occultism, both then and now. Ahead of his time, he was dismissed by Crowley early in his career, but found appreciation and understanding with the next generation, who embraced his ideas with alacrity.
Bibliography
Hardback Edition
Publication date: 2010
Original price: £35
Number of Copies Printed: Limited to 600 copies.
Contributors
Edited by: Kenneth and Steffi Grant
Physical Description
Dimensions: Quarto format, 270 x 195 mm.
Page Count: 176 pages.
Illustrative content: Coloured plates, profusely illustrated.
Binding
Binding: Bound in silver-stamped purple cloth. Issued with dust-jacket.
Deluxe Edition
Publication date: 2010
Original price: £140
Number of Copies Printed: Limited to 93 copies.
Contributors
Edited by: Kenneth and Steffi Grant
Physical Description
Dimensions: Quarto format, 270 x 195 mm.
Page Count: 176 pages.
Illustrative content: Coloured plates, profusely illustrated.
Other physical details: Hand-numbered and signed by the editors.
Binding
Binding: Handbound in purple quarter-goatskin, top edge silver. Issued with dust-jacket and slipcase.
