1870 Rare First Edition - The Royal Illuminated Book of Legends Narrated in Antient Ballad Form. Illustrated by Marcus Ward, Illuminator of the Queen.

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(Descriptio

Author: Marcus Ward, Illuminator of the Queen.
Title: The Royal Illuminated Book of Legends. Narrated in Antient Ballad Form. With Appropriate music, Arranged in an easy style for voice and pianoforte, suited to little folks or great folks, and minstrels of all decrees. Each story, or legend, illustrated by a set of brilliant pictures, designed in the quaint spirit of Mediaeval times, and printed in colors and gold by the Illuminator to the Queen, Marcus Ward.
Publisher: Edinburgh, William P. Nimmo, no date (1870). First Edition.
Language: Text in English.
Size: Oblong 8" X 11".
Pages: Unpaginated.
Binding: Attractive and very good original illustrated quarter cloth binding (hinges fine, overall slightly worn and scuffed - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover.
Content: Very good content (bright, tight, and clean, rare light foxing or staining - as shown, name in pencil of a previous 1876 owner on the first end paper - as shown).
Illustrations: Complete with the beautiful 18 color plates by Marcus Ward, Illuminator of the Queen.

Estimate: (USD 200 - USD 300)

The book: The Royal Illuminated Book of Legends, published in 1870, is a rare first edition notable for its unique combination of ancient ballads narrated in antient form, complete with appropriate music arranged for voice and pianoforte. This work is particularly distinguished by its 18 exquisite color plates, designed by Marcus Ward, the Illuminator to the Queen. The illustrations are printed in vibrant colors and gold, reflecting the artistic style of Mediaeval times. The book's oblong format and quarter cloth binding contribute to its attractiveness and rarity, making it a prized possession for collectors of historical literature and illustration art.

The author and illustrator:  Marcus Ward, renowned as the Illuminator of the Queen, was an artist of exceptional talent, known for his work in the field of book illustration and design during the Victorian era. His role as an illuminator brought a revival of the medieval art form of manuscript illumination, integrating it with the techniques of the Industrial Age. His work in this book is a testament to his skill and creativity, capturing the essence of each legend with intricate designs and a vivid color palette, making the Royal Illuminated Book of Legends a remarkable example of Victorian illustrated literature.