This exquisite volume was published by Richard Bentley in 1840, around the time that he was working with Dickens. Bentley also published the first edition of Oliver Twist. This volume is illustrated by George Cruikshank, the genius of 19th century literary illustrations. There are 40 full-page steel etchings as well as 58 woodcut illustrations. It is beautifully bound by Riviere in full red straight-grained morocco with green silk endpapers. The spine is very richly gilt in an ornate six compartment design with raised hubs. There is a little splitting of the silk at the inner joints but they are still quite solid. All edges are gilt and there is virtually no foxing to the fine textblock, even on the plates. The binding is tight and there is a previous owner's bookplate on the front pastedown. The bookplate depicts a fellow sitting in his reading chair before a fireplace. There is gold decoration on the inner dentelles and this is a very handsome copy of this important volume. The book is in a beautiful custom-made slipcase of the finest leather and the inside of the slipcase is fully lined in a marbelled red. A mylar wrapper further protects the book within the case. In size, the book is a tall octavo and it is quite heavy. The novel itself is a work of fictionalized history and takes place in sixteenth century England. This writing format holds a twofold interest for the reader. Firstly, it tells a Romantic story and secondly, it tells a story that is partly true. The Tower of London also brings to the reader a lively description of one of the most famous structures in England. The story itself is concerned with the troubled reign of Queen Mary, one of the least understood by lovers of history and literature. This beautiful offering in it's Fine binding looks stunning on the shelf and will please any discriminating collector of Fine literature. We are pleased to send pictures on request.
Title: Tower of London, The
Edition: First Edition
Location Published: London, Richard Bentley: 1840
Binding: Full-Leather
Book Condition: Near Fine
Jacket Condition: No Jacket as Issued
Size: 8vo
Categories: Antiquarian and Classic
Seller ID: 003613
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