GRAHAM, Clive & CURLING, Bill. The Grand National (Limited edition, of only 105 specially bound copies, signed by both authors)

London: The Arcadia Press, 1973. Copy number 30. Large quarto. pp. 180, richly illustrated throughout, including the specially commissioned colour frontispiece of Reynoldstown. Finely bound by The Arcadia Press in full brown niger morocco, covers with triple gilt fillet panels, upper cover gilt-stamped with a superb large medallion device of a jockey and horse; spine in six compartments with raised bands and gilt titling; all edges gilt; wide gilt-tooled turn-ins; stunning moiré silk endpapers of luminous gold; yellow silk marker. Housed in the original matching slipcase (near fine, lightly rubbed). A superb production. Fine condition, the binding fresh, gilt bright, and edges gleaming. Signed on the title-page by both Clive Graham and Bill Curling in blue ink.

This is one of 105 numbered copies, of which numbers 101–105 were retained by the publisher and not issued for sale. A magnificent Arcadia Press de luxe sporting volume, produced to the highest standards of British fine binding in the 1970s. Arcadia Press books—particularly the sporting series—were issued in very small limitations and are prized for their workmanship, sumptuous materials, and appeal to collectors of equestrian history and fine press productions alike. The Grand National remains one of the most desirable titles in the series due to its subject, its lavish illustration, and the inclusion of the dedicated signed print.

Clive Graham, long associated with The Daily Express, was one of the most authoritative writers on steeplechasing. Bill Curling, himself a rider and racing historian. The race at Aintree is one of the most storied events in the equestrian world. Key editions—particularly signed, limited fine bindings—are collected not only by bibliophiles but by owners, trainers, and racing institutions.

[L3 10D]