1873 Rare Book - Common Wayside Flowers Color Illustrated by Birket Foster

Author: Thomas Miller. Illustrated by Birket Foster.
Title: Common Wayside Flowers.
Publisher: London and New York, George Routledge and Sons, 1873.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 8.5 X 7 inches.
Pages: 190 pages.
Binding: Attractive and near fine beautiful original publisher’s blue cloth binding, richly decorated with elaborate gilt floral patterns and lettering on the front cover and spine. The cover features exquisite Victorian design motifs, characteristic of fine 19th-century decorative bindings (hinges fine, slightly scuffed - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover. All edges gilt. A rare find in such a nice condition!
Content: Very good content (bright, tight and clean, rare light foxing - as shown). 
Illustrations: Wonderfully illustrated by the renowned Birket Foster, with color plates printed by Edmund Evans. The book is adorned with exquisite chromolithographic illustrations of flowers, vividly depicting various wayside blossoms with detailed botanical accuracy. The combination of poetic text and high-quality color printing makes this a visually delightful and educational work. (Complete).

Estimate: (USD 300-500).

The book: This wonderful edition of Common Wayside Flowers is a charming 19th-century botanical work that explores the beauty and significance of wildflowers commonly found along the English countryside. Combining lyrical descriptions with botanical insights, the book captures the romance and wonder of nature through a Victorian lens. The collaboration of Thomas Miller’s evocative prose with Birket Foster’s delicate and detailed illustrations makes this edition a true collector’s piece.

The author: Thomas Miller (1807–1874) was an English poet and novelist known for his works that celebrated rural life, history, and nature. His writings often reflected a deep appreciation for the English landscape, making Common Wayside Flowers a wonderful representation of his literary style.

The illustrator: Birket Foster (1825–1899) was a renowned British illustrator and watercolorist famous for his pastoral scenes and nature-themed works. His delicate and refined illustrations beautifully complement Miller’s prose, enhancing the book’s artistic and historical value. Foster's works are widely admired for their nostalgic charm and masterful execution, particularly in books printed by the esteemed color printer Edmund Evans.