1852 Rare Victorian Book - Evangeline, A Tale of Acadie by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Illustrated.
(description)
Author: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Jane E. Benham, Birket Foster, and John Gilbert, illustrators.
Title: Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie.
Publisher: London, David Bogue, 86, Fleet Street, 1852. Third Edition.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 8" X 5.5".
Pages: vi-102 pages + publisher's catalog.
Binding: Attractive and good to very good original blue cloth binding, beautifully decorated with intricate gilt-stamped designs on the spine and cover, with "Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie" in gilt on the cover. Elegant Victorian ornamentation graces the edges, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the book (hinges fine, overall worn and scuffed - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover. All edges are gilt.
Content: Good to very good content (bright, tight, and clean, some light foxing or staining mainly on the outer edge - as shown).
Illustrations: Complete with forty-five wood engravings, vividly depicting scenes from Longfellow's poetic narrative. The illustrations capture the serene beauty and somber tone of "Evangeline" through finely detailed and evocative images. Notable engravers and artists, including Benham, Foster, and Gilbert, contributed to the visual storytelling.
Estimate: (Scarce with no or few other copies in this binding available for sale worldwide).
The book: "Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie" is a classic narrative poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. It tells the story of an Acadian girl named Evangeline and her unwavering love for Gabriel, set against the tragic backdrop of the Expulsion of the Acadians. This Victorian edition, adorned with intricate illustrations and an elaborate binding, embodies the artistic and poetic essence of 19th-century literature.
The author: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882) was one of America's most celebrated poets, known for his contributions to 19th-century American literature, including works like "The Song of Hiawatha" and "The Courtship of Miles Standish." His poetry often explores themes of love, loss, and the human experience.
The Illustrators: Jane E. Benham, Birket Foster, and John Gilbert were notable Victorian-era artists and illustrators, each contributing to the book’s charm with their unique artistic styles, enhancing the narrative’s emotive depth and historical richness.