1875 Rare Illustrated Edition - The Lancashire Witches. A Romance Of Pendle Forest.
(Description)
Author: William Harrison Ainsworth. Sir John Gilbert, R.A., illustrator.
Title: The Lancashire Witches. A Romance of Pendle Forest
Publisher: George Routledge and Sons, London, The Broadway, Ludgate, New York: 416, Broome Street, no date (circa 1875).
Language: Text in English
Size: 8.5" X 6".
Pages: viii-492 pages.
Binding: Attractive and very good, near fine beautiful half-red Morocco leather binding (hinges fine, overall slightly scuffed - as shown, spine lightly sunned - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover. All edges marbled.
Content: Good to very good content (bright, tight, and clean, foxing to preliminary and last pages and to the illustration pages - as shown).
Illustrations: Complete with the twelve beautiful full-page illustrations by John Gilbert.
The book: "The Lancashire Witches" is one of Ainsworth's most famous historical novels, blending history, folklore, and fiction. It tells the story of the infamous witch trials in Lancashire, with a richly detailed narrative that captures the fear and superstition of 17th-century England. This 1882 edition by George Routledge and Sons is particularly notable for its luxurious binding and accompanying illustrations by Sir John Gilbert, making it a prized item for collectors of Victorian literature and historical novels.
The author: William Harrison Ainsworth (1805-1882) was an English historical novelist, noted for his vivid portrayals of English history and his ability to weave romance and drama into historical events. His works were immensely popular during the Victorian era, and he was considered one of the leading novelists of his time.
The illustrator: Sir John Gilbert (1817-1897) was an English artist, illustrator, and engraver, known for his work on Shakespeare's plays and various historical novels. His detailed and expressive engravings were highly regarded, and he was a regular contributor to The Illustrated London News. Gilbert's illustrations for "The Lancashire Witches" capture the dark and eerie atmosphere of the novel, making this edition particularly memorable.