Wildnis: geruhsame Abenteuer in Alaska [Merle Armitage] Kent, Rockwell Art & Photography,Fine Press,Illustration

German translation, by Willi Rickmer Rickmers, of the early Rockwell Kent work documenting the artist's stay on Fox Island, Alaska in 1918. Illustrations Kent did for the book itself as well as paintings he completed while in Alaska were displayed in New York, 1919, shortly before the publication in 1920, and helped solidify his reputation as an artist. Kent found an early admirer in art director ofLookmagazine and book designer, Merle Armitage. Armitage was part of the vibrant Los Angeles book and arts scene surrounding Jake Zeitlin, Ernest Dawson, and their circle. Major authors of the time, Kent, Sherwood Anderson, Christopher Morley, and others would visit and be wined and dined before being taken down book row on Sixth Street, meeting the likes of Lawrence Powell, Ward Ritchie, Armitage, and other bibliophiles. It is through his promotion of Kent's art and these Los Angeles visits, Armitage and the great illustrator became friends. This letter from Kent to Armitage is likely from early in their relationship, and mentions a meeting between the two in New York. In 1929, Kent designed the beautiful bookplate for Armitage. Three years later, in 1932, Armitage wrote and designed one of the early monographs on Kent's work, which included several illustrations from the artist. An important book from early in Kent's career containing the illustrations that would make him famous through exhibition in New York and elsewhere. This copy also has the interesting association with and letter to one of his early supporters on the West Coast. . 10x7.5" 186, [2]pp. Printed in German black letter, with illustrations by Kent throughout. Merle Armitage's copy with his bookplate designed by Kent to front pastedown and ownership signature to the ffep. Once adhered to the ffep and now laid in is a typed letter signed by Kent to Armitage dated in 1926. Attached to the rear pastedown is a finely printed exhibition announcement for Kent at the Weyhe Galleries [1926]. Publisher's gray cloth with wood engraving by Kent on front cover, spine lettered in black Light toning to boards else near fine