Philip Magnus — King Edward the Seventh

London, John Murray, 1964. First edition. Fine Binding. A finely bound copy of this biography regarding King Edward VII of the United Kingdom. In a fine binding by renowned firm Sangorski and Sutcliffe. From the library of socialite and patron of the arts Audrey Pleydell-Bouverie. The first edition of this work. Philip Magnus' detailed biography exploring the life and reign of King Edward VII, the son of Queen Victoria.Illustrated with a colour frontispiece, two folding genealogical tables, and thirty-two plates.Collated, complete. In a fine binding by renowned firm Sangorski and Sutcliffe as a Christmas gift from Stanley Bray, who worked at the firm for over 60 years. He was a close friend Audrey Pleydell-Bouverie and bound several books for her as gifts. This was bound by Bray personally and he has stamped 'Xmas S.B 1964' to the rear pastedown. With Sangorski and Sutcliffe's stamp to the verso of front endpaper. From the library of Audrey Pleydell-Bouverie (Audrey Evelyn James Coats, and Audrey Evelyn James Field) at Julian"s Park. Pleydell-Bouverie was the youngest daughter of an Anglo-American lumber and steel millionaire. Audrey was also alleged to be the illegitimate granddaughter of King Edward VII, although she was also rumoured to be his daugher, or the lover of King Edward VIII.  She bought Julians Park in 1940 following her third marriage to the Hon Peter Pleydell-Bouverie. Audrey was a patron of the arts and it is believed that she bound several books herself, as many books from her library were stamped with her name and she owned a group of bookbinding tools. Her circle of friends included Winston Churchill, Coco Chanel and Nancy Mitford. She was featured in Cecil Beaton's 'Book of Beauty' and was regarded as one of the Bright Young Things. Loosely inserted is a piece of paper headed by 'Paguag' used to keep a score with three names 'Tom 8, David 4, Ron 6.' A fine example of this royal biography once owned by someone who is alleged to be his granddaughter. In a half morocco binding with cloth covered boards. Externally, fine. Spine has faded slightly as is common with this colour. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright. Occasional light spots. Fine . Ill.: Various. Fine .