1861 Rare First Edition illustrated by Keeley Halswelle ~ The Poetical Works of Sir Walter Scott. Lady of the Lake.
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(Description)
Author: Sir Walter Scott. Keeley Halswelle, illustrator.
Title: The Poetical Works of Sir Walter Scott with illustrations by Keeley Halswelle.
Publisher: Edinburgh, William P. Nimmo, no date (1861). First Edition illustrated by Keeley Halswelle.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 6.5" X 4.5".
Pages: xvi-665 pages + publisher's catalog.
Binding: Attractive and very good original decorated full-cloth binding (hinges fine, overall slightly worn and scuffed - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover. All edges gilt.
Content: Very good content (tight and clean, some light foxing - as shown, neat presentation inscription from Mary Craske (mother of ballet dancer Margaret Craske) on a preliminary page dated 1868 - as shown, general toning of pages - as shown).
Illustrations: Complete with the frontispiece portrait, the illustrated title page and the eleven full-page illustrations by Keeley Halswelle.
The book: This rare first edition from 1861 presents the illustrious poetical works of Sir Walter Scott, a key figure in the literary world. Illustrated by the talented Keeley Halswelle, the volume stands as a testament to the fusion of literary genius and artistic brilliance. The beautiful decorated full-cloth binding, with its gold-edged pages, further accentuates its charm. Inside, the pages remain tightly bound and clean, with some light foxing and general toning, typical of books of its age. The book also features a heartwarming presentation inscription from Mary Craske, known to be the mother of ballet dancer Margaret Craske, which adds a unique layer of historical connection to this edition. Complementing the poetry, the book is adorned with a frontispiece portrait of Sir Walter Scott, an illustrated title page, and eleven full-page illustrations by Keeley Halswelle, making it a collector's delight.
The author: Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832) was a Scottish historical novelist, poet, playwright, and historian. His literary works are classics of both English-language literature and Scottish literature. Scott's penchant for romantic traditions and impressive narration garnered him immense popularity during his time and laid the foundation for the historical novel's rise. Some of his notable works include "Ivanhoe," "Rob Roy," and the series of Waverley Novels. His poem "The Lady of the Lake" further bolstered his reputation, making him one of the most influential authors of the 19th century.
The illustrator: Keeley Halswelle (1832-1891) was a prominent British landscape and genre painter of the 19th century. Known for his profound attention to detail, Halswelle brought a keen eye and delicate touch to both his paintings and illustrations. He was an active exhibitor, showcasing his works at esteemed institutions such as the Royal Academy and the Royal Scottish Academy. Beyond paintings, Halswelle made significant contributions to the literary world through his illustrations, enhancing the reading experience of several renowned books of his time. His collaboration with writers such as Sir Walter Scott elevated the visual dimension of classic literary works, leaving an indelible mark on Victorian-era art and literature.