Title: ESSAYS OF ELIA
Author: Charles Lamb
Publisher: Putnam's Sons
City: New York and London Year: 1885 (Temple Edition)Binding Style: Hardcover (Fine Binding)
Pagination: 501Illustrated: Yes, 8 original, signed in-plate etchings by R. Swain Gifford, Charles A. Platt, James D. Simillie, F.S. Church
Book Details + Condition: Fine binding edition from 1885 of Essays of Elia by Charles Lamb. Special fine binding edition contains 8 original signed-in-plate etchings by R. Swain Gifford, Charles A. Platt, James D. Smillie and F.S. Church. Beautiful three-quarter purple leather and cloth, with gilt. Labeled tissue guards protect each etching. The essays in the collection first appeared in THE LONDON MAGAZINE from 1820-25. Lamb's essays were very popular and were printed in many subsequent editions throughout the 19th century. The personal and conversational tone of the essays charmed many readers. Lamb himself is the Elia, and his sister Mary is "Cousin Bridget." In very good condition: tight binding; bumped and rubbed corners and edges; some bleeding of tissue guards to corresponding pages; text is clean and unmarked save pale ex-libris embossed stamp from the Department of the Navy (with an eagle) on first few pages and on bottom corners of etchings. (During wartime, books were provided for the Navy and other military branches. Ships often had mini-libraries.) Small vintage auction label on rear inside board.
