Written In English
8" H x 6" W x 1.5" D
This antique 1895 history book Palmyra and Zenobia by William Wright is a beautifully presented Victorian volume that blends fascinating historical storytelling with an elegant decorative binding. Published by Thomas Nelson and Sons, the book explores the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra and the life of its remarkable queen, Zenobia, through engaging travel narrative, archaeological observations, and vivid illustrations of the ruins. This edition is made especially desirable by its full polished calf prize binding from The King’s School in Chester. The front board displays a bold gilt royal arms crest featuring the lion and unicorn, a detail that instantly elevates the book as a display piece. The spine is richly gilt with raised bands, ornate floral tooling, and a red morocco title label that remains clear and attractive. Inside, the book features marbled endpapers and a marbled fore edge, both in deep, dramatic colors that complement the warm calf leather. Illustrated plates of Palmyra’s ruins provide striking visual interest throughout the text. This volume is ideal for collectors, history lovers, and anyone looking to add a refined antique leather book to their home library or decor.
Condition:
This volume is in very good antique condition with gentle, expected signs of age. The full polished calf binding shows light rubbing at the corners and edges, a few natural surface marks, and a small chip at the head of the spine. The gilt royal arms crest remains bright and striking, and the spine gilt is still crisp with only minor wear. The joints are firm and the book opens well without looseness. The marbled endpapers and marbled fore edge show attractive, well preserved color with only light toning. The interior pages are clean overall with slight foxing near the prize plate but no major staining or damage. All illustrated plates are present and retain strong clarity. The book presents beautifully and remains both a collectible and highly decorative example of late Victorian binding work.
