[Scott, William Bell, Crowquill, Tenniel Illus., Engraved by Dalziel, Evans, Linton, etc.] The Book of British Ballads [In Original Deluxe Publisher's Full Crimson Calf]

London: Jeremiah How, 1842, 1844.

First edition. Two Volumes. Quartos. In original publisher's binding. Full fine-pebbled red calf with attractive geometric and floral strap-work design in gilt on covers, blind-stamped border cross-hatch patter. Spine with raised bands and elaborate gilt floral strap-work and lettering, marbled endpapers. Dozens of full and half-page woodcut engravings by artists who later to blossom in the 1860's in book illustration, such as Paton, Tenniel, Pickersgill, Gilbert, W.B. Scott, Crowquill and others. Also of note, early engravers showcased here such as G. Dalziel, Edmund Evans, Vizetelly, and W.S. Linton. "The most ambitious English book with wood engravings during the period under survey" (Gordon Ray). Calf binding shows slight wear along margins of spine and corners, but overall near fine, very fresh and bright. Contents clean and bright with occasional soiling and brown-toning predominantly in volume 1.

Price: $1,200.00   Item #1067