Published in London by Ebury Press, 1992. First Edition, first printing, hardcover in dustwrapper. Maroon coloured boards with gilt titles to the backstrip. 224 pages, illustrated in colour.
A presentation copy with a fine association - dedicated at the half-title by Ralph Steadman, "For Nick Sinclair from and with warm regards, Ralph Steadman". There follows a date which could be 92 or 93. Nick Sinclair, the photographer, famously photographed Ralph for the National Portrait Gallery in London which holds over 140 of his portrait photographs.
Accompanying his inscription, the artist has added a three-colour self-portrait and on the page opposite, a second three-colour ink drawing of a wine-glass which appears to be charged with sparkling wine!
The Grapes of Ralph grew from the artist's long association with UK wine merchants Oddbins, by whom he was commissioned to illustrate their quarterly brochures and wine catalogues, as well as other promotional material. Over the following years he and his wife travelled the globe visiting vineyards great and small and this book captures perfectly those experiences.
Condition: a Very Good or better copy with a noticeable bump at the crown with resulting creasing to the cloth, and pushing at the foot (of the spine). Tight and square, remains firmly bound and entirely free from ownership marks, labels etc. Covers and edges clean, light scratch or score-mark to the upper cover.
The dustwrapper is unclipped. Bumped at both spine tips, with minor nick and creasing to the crown area. A short razor cut to front panel (about 2 inches in length). Otherwise in clean, bright condition - Very Good.
