1855 Scarce Book with Fore-Edge Painting - The Faerie Queene by Edmund Spenser, Illustrated by Corbould.
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(Description)
Author: Edmund Spenser. Edward Corbould, illustrator.
Title: The Faerie Queene: Disposed into Twelve Bookes, Fashioning XII Morall Vertues. To which is added his Epithalamion.
Publisher: London, G. Routledge & Co., Farringdon Street. New York, 18 Beekman Street, 1855. Third Edition.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 6.5 "X 4.5 " .
Pages: xii-820 pages.
Binding: Attractive and very good full leather binding, finely bound in red morocco leather with unusual and decorative boards with intricate gilt geometric tooling by Leighton Son and Hodge (hinges fine, overall slightly scuffed - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover. All edges gilt.
Special Features: This copy is adorned with an exceptionally scarce fore-edge painting depicting a medieval castle and ship scene, a true rarity and highly desirable feature for collectors.
Content: Very good content (bright, tight, and clean, rare light foxing and staining - as shown).
Illustrations: Complete with the all the beautiful full-page illustrations by Edward Henry Corbould.
The book: The Faerie Queene by Edmund Spenser is one of the most important works of English literature, an allegorical epic poem written in honor of Queen Elizabeth I. This third edition includes all twelve books of Spenser’s moral allegory, as well as his famed marriage hymn, "Epithalamion." What sets this particular copy apart is its exceptionally scarce and exquisite fore-edge painting, depicting a medieval castle and ship against a dramatic backdrop. Fore-edge paintings of this quality and subject matter are rare artistic achievements, hidden treasures that add a unique layer of intrigue and beauty to the book. This feature transforms the volume from a historical artifact into a work of art, elevating its desirability for collectors and connoisseurs alike. Combined with its intricate Victorian binding, this copy is not just a literary masterpiece but also a testament to the pinnacle of 19th-century bookmaking craftsmanship.
This exceptional edition, blending timeless literary value with unparalleled artistic embellishments, stands as a centerpiece for any collection of fine and antique books.
The author: Edmund Spenser (1552/1553 – 13 January 1599) was an English poet best known for The Faerie Queene, an epic poem and fantastical allegory celebrating the Tudor dynasty and Elizabeth I. He is recognized as one of the premier craftsmen of nascent Modern English verse and is often considered one of the greatest poets in the English language.
The Illustrator:
Edward Corbould (1815–1905) was a British artist celebrated for his romantic and detailed engravings. His illustrations for The Faerie Queene bring Spenser's allegorical world vividly to life, enhancing the reader's experience of the text.