Amsterdam, De Grafische, 1963. Square 4to (20.4 x 20.5 cm). Title page; 36 pp., all with blank versos. Original pictorial soft cover (Lumbeck binding). Printed invitations tipped in.

A unique copy of a rare work, with 24 illustrations by 22 artists, of the 12 signs of the zodiac, published as a gift to the patrons of De Grafische, officially known as the Vereeniging tot Bevordering der Grafische Kunst (Association for the Promotion of Graphic Art). World-famous artist Maurits Cornelis Escher (1898-1972) contributed an illustration to Pisces, or Vissen (Bool 442), which appear exclusively in this publication. This is number 49 of a special edition of just 50 copies. De Grafische was founded in 1912 as a Dutch association for graphic art and graphic artists. After a merger in the 1950s, it became known as the Vereniging (with one e less) tot Bevordering der Grafische Kunst (De Grafische). (Association for the Promotion of Graphic Art [De Grafische]). The society was dissolved in 1972. Complete with a typescript letter by the society's secretary, and printed invitations to exhibitions in the Amsterdam Municipal Museum (mounted on the front free endpaper recto), and the Municipal Museum of Alkmaar (tipped in on rear free endpaper verso). Inscribed in the top margin by a patron, Jan H. Reurslag, dated Bilthoven, 1963. An excellent, near fine copy with great provenance and extras. Bool 442.