1864 Rare Book - The Poetical Works of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Illustrated

Author: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
Title: The Poetical Works of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
Publisher: Halifax, Milner and Sowerby; Simpkin, Marshall & Co., London, 1864.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 6.5 x 4.5 inches.
Pages: viii, 516 pages.
Binding: Very good contemporary full green morocco binding, richly gilt in an elaborate Victorian decorative style, with intricate panelled boards, ornate gilt spine compartments, and gilt dentelles (hinges fine, overall slightly worn and scuffed - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover. All edges gilt.  A striking and luxurious binding, in very good condition, with only light wear and minor rubbing at extremities; spine evenly toned, presenting beautifully on the shelf.
Content: Very good content (bright, tight and clean, rare light foxing or staining - as shown). Light scattered foxing throughout, as expected; more noticeable to some plates. Inner hinges of the endpapers show staining, not affecting the text block, as shown. A neat contemporary gift inscription on the second blank page adds a touch of personal history. Otherwise clean, solid, and well preserved.
Illustrations: Illustrated with 8 finely engraved steel plates, including frontispiece and additional plates throughout the volume.

Estimate: (USD 200 – 250)

The book: A finely produced mid-19th century edition of Longfellow’s celebrated poetic works, presented here in a particularly elegant and richly gilt morocco binding. This Halifax printing reflects the wide transatlantic popularity of Longfellow, whose poetry resonated deeply with Victorian readers for its lyricism, moral clarity, and narrative charm.

The craftsmanship of the binding elevates this copy beyond the ordinary: the intricate gilt tooling, carefully structured panels, and glowing green morocco create a volume that is as decorative as it is literary. The all-edges gilt finish further enhances its character as a refined gift or presentation book of the period.

The inclusion of steel-engraved illustrations adds visual depth to Longfellow’s evocative texts, complementing works such as Evangeline, The Belfry of Bruges, and The Courtship of Miles Standish.

With its combination of literary importance, decorative binding, and period ownership inscription, this copy stands as a beautiful example of Victorian bookmaking and readership.

The author: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–1882) was one of the most widely read American poets of the 19th century. A central figure of the Fireside Poets, his work was known for its accessibility, musicality, and moral tone. Poems such as Paul Revere’s Ride, Evangeline, and The Song of Hiawatha secured his international reputation and made him a household name on both sides of the Atlantic.