1884 Scarce Edition - Robin Hood by Ritson and Illustrated by Gordon Browne

Author: Edited by Joseph Ritson. Illustrated by Gordon Browne.
Title: Robin Hood: A Collection of Poems, Songs, and Ballads Relative to that Celebrated English Outlaw.
Publisher: London, George Routledge and Sons, 1884. First thus Illustrated by Gordon Browne.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 7.5 x 5.5 inches.
Pages: iv-444 pages.
Binding: Attractive and very good original publisher's green cloth binding, elegantly decorated with intricate black and gilt designs, including floral and geometric motifs. Gilt titling on spine and cover. Ornate decorative elements frame the book’s front cover, spine, and back (hinges fine, overall slightly worn and scuffed - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover.
Content: Very good content (bright, tight and clean, rare light foxing or staining - as shown, foxing mainly to the outer edges and last page - as shown).
Illustrations: Beautifully illustrated with 32 engravings by Gordon Browne, depicting Robin Hood’s adventures, his encounters with the Sheriff of Nottingham, Friar Tuck, and other legendary figures. Detailed and dramatic black-and-white illustrations enhance the historical ballads and stories.

Estimate: (Scarce with no or few other copies of this edition available for sale worldwide).

The book: This is a finely bound and well-preserved edition of Robin Hood, edited by the renowned antiquarian Joseph Ritson. First published in 1795, Ritson's compilation of ballads, poems, and songs dedicated to the legendary English outlaw solidified the folk hero's place in literary history. This 1884 edition, beautifully printed by George Routledge and Sons, features the original text enhanced by striking illustrations from Gordon Browne. A stunning collectible for enthusiasts of folklore, medieval literature, and classic adventure tales.

The author: Joseph Ritson (1752–1803) was an English antiquarian and literary scholar who dedicated much of his life to collecting and preserving English ballads and legends. His Robin Hood compilation remains one of the most important scholarly works on the legendary outlaw, influencing later retellings and historical interpretations of the Robin Hood mythos.

The illustrator: Gordon Browne (1858–1932) was a prolific British artist and book illustrator, best known for his detailed and atmospheric engravings that brought classic stories to life. His work on Robin Hood captures the excitement, tension, and adventure of the legendary tales with remarkable detail and dramatic composition.