Stephen Tennant

Rare and vintage books by and about Stephen Tennant, including first editions, inscribed copies, illustrated books, biographies and exhibition catalogues.

Often described as "the Brightest of the Bright Young Things", Stephen Tennant (1906-1987) was a glamorous light amongst the coterie of Cecil Beaton, Rex Whistler and Oliver Messel. He lived a long and eclectic life, including a precocious childhood, the years as a Bright Young Thing, his love affair with Seigfried Sassoon, and his final years spent as a recluse in Wilsford Manor where all manner of stars made the pilgrimage to his bedside.

Throughout his life Tennant drew, painted and wrote poetry. His illustrations grace many books including The Bird's Fancy Dress Ball (1921) and The Vein in the Marble (1925), published when he was a teenager, and two of his own books, Leaves from a Missionary's Notebook (1937) and My Brother Aquarius (1961). Tennant is known for floridly inscribing his books and these items are particularly prized.

Below are the books by and about Stephen Tennat which we currently carry. If there is a specific book on Stephen Tennant that you would like to find or sell, please get in touch.

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