Jul 16, 2020 - Sale 2541
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Sale 2541 - Lot 122

Price Realized: $ 4,000
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 2,000 - $ 3,000
HARVEY KORNBERG.
"The Gentleman's Alphabet Book." Together, the complete set of 26 original illustrations for book of same title by Donald Hall (New York: Dutton, 1972). Pen, ink, and wash on paper. Each approximately 250x355 mm; 9 3/4x13 3/4 inches, on 13 1/4x17 1/2-inch sheets. Each signed "Harvey Kornberg," some not dated, some dated [19]70, most dated [19]70-71. Accompanied by printout of alternative unpublished limericks written by the artist. See condition report for complete image set.

This clever alphabet book is decidedly not for children. Beginning with "Aphrodisiac" and ending with "Zoophilia," each letter illustrates a different x-rated sexual activity or condition. Kornberg reportedly came up with the idea for an adult "ABC" book while listening to his children play an alphabet game. While the published limericks were written by Donald Hall, a one time U.S. Poet Laureate, the lot is accompanied by a complete set of alternate limericks written by Kornberg. For example, Kornberg wrote:

"E is for EXHIBITIONIST:

A chap who takes pride

In revealing that part

Most others would hide.

The ladies, though shocked

By this brute's gross obsession,

Cannot but admire

His ample possession."
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