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Quartos. [26] leaves; [40] leaves of text, [1] leaf ads; iv, [4], 256 pp., errata slip; 2 p.l., 192 pp. Four separately published works. Court Album in blue publisher's cloth decorated in gilt and blind; "Waverley Gallery" in green half morocco over green cloth, raised bands, spine gilt in compartments with central fleuron; "Heath's Picturesque Annual" in publisher's red morocco decorated in gilt and blind; "Tourist in Wales" in half calf over purple buckram, raised bands, spine panels with gilt floral sprig at center. Court Album with 14 engraved portraits of female aristocrats; "Waverley Gallery" with 36 engravings of the principal female characters in Sir Walter Scott's romances; "Heath's Picturesque Annual" with extra engraved title page and 26 engravings by Ritchie after drawings by Clarkson Stanfield; "Tourist in Wales" with extra engraved title page and 49 engravings of views. â Bindings with minor imperfections, but all solid and pleasing; occasional mild offsetting or minor marginal foxing, a couple of short marginal tears to text leaves, bur excellent copies internally, the text clean and fresh, the plates bright, with fine impressions. These are appealing examples of the illustrated works that were so popular in the Victorian era, providing readers with glimpses of the nobility, images of their favorite literary characters, and the opportunity to enjoy dramatic scenery from the comfort of their drawing rooms. The first two works here contain portraits of beautiful women, both real society belles and heroines of bestselling romances. The latter two transport the armchair traveller to the wilds of Wales, to the Austrian and Italian Alps, and to the Rhine River. Although in black and white, the engravings are so detailed and finely executed, particularly in the use of shadow and light, that both portraits and landscapes come to life. In the days before photography--much less streaming videos--books like these brought beauty and imagination into everyday lives. Seller Inventory # ST15199b-e
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