Amsterdam, Meulenhoff, 1981 [1988]. Large 4to (29.5 x 23.8 cm). 351 pp.; numerous illustrations, including several in full colour. 20th-century patterned full red morocco with gilt-bordered green inlays and additional black inlets, after Escher's Felicitas 1954 Eugène & Willy Trens (Bool 383). Iridescent green endpapers. All edges gilt. In matching clamshell box (33.1 x 26.5 x 4.5 cm). Spine with gilt double border and green title; front (top) board with green, gilt-bordered bird (also after Bool 383). An original copy of Bool 383 mounted on the front pastedown.

A unique, de luxe copy in a wonderful Escheresque full morocco binding. This copy of Escher's main biography and Catalogue Raisonné, refers to itself. The amazing binding was made by the Dutch bookbinder Geert van Daal (1941-2024), who worked for, e.g., the famous Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica, and who, with this binding, won first prize in a bookbinder's contest in 1988. Van Daal is perhaps the only 20th-century Dutch master bookbinder with his own retrospective exhibition and catalogue. The basis of the design of Van Daal's binding is Bool 383 (reproduced in b/w on p. 304). This is one of four designs, commissioned by the engineer Eugène Strens (1899-1980), and his wife, Willy Strens. The illustration represents one of the classical four elements, viz., Lucht [Air], and is titled: Felicitas 1954. Eugène & Willy Strens. The original, discarded, binding was an unassuming grey cloth, with black title on the spine.