Prize Binding
Written In English
The Ingoldsby Legends, or Mirth and Marvels by Thomas Ingoldsby (the pen name of Richard Harris Barham) appears here in the Oxford Edition, published in 1905 by Henry Frowde. Although the stories and poems that make up this collection first appeared in magazines during the 1830s and 1840s, they retained their popularity well into the Edwardian era, as this early 20th-century reprint demonstrates.
Essentially, The Ingoldsby Legends is a series of humorous and occasionally macabre tales drawn from folklore, legend, and Barham’s own imagination. Written to amuse both himself and a broader Victorian readership, Barham’s work combined playful wit with gothic elements. His pieces originally gained a following through popular periodicals like Bentley’s Miscellany, and their success led to multiple book editions over time. By blending satire, ghostly themes, and historical or folkloric references, Barham offered a lighthearted alternative to the more solemn gothic literature of the period.
From a historical perspective, the 19th century was ripe for such literature, with readers showing a keen interest in ghost stories, parodies of medieval legend, and playful supernatural themes. Barham’s “Ingoldsby” writings fit neatly into that cultural moment, benefiting from the talents of illustrators such as George Cruikshank and John Leech, whose humorous and whimsical style complemented Barham’s text. By the early 1900s, The Ingoldsby Legends had become a minor classic, cherished for its blend of mild spookiness and engaging humor.
This particular copy is notable for its handsome full-leather binding, adorned with gilt tooling and the coat of arms of the Girls Public Day School Trust Limited for Paddington and Maida Vale High School. Such prize bindings were commonly awarded to students for academic or other achievements, reflecting the esteem in which these volumes were held. Inside, one can find blue marbled endpapers and a frontispiece portrait of Richard Harris Barham, alongside illustrations that capture the collection’s mischievous spirit.
In simple terms, The Ingoldsby Legends (1905 Oxford Edition) is a whimsical mix of gothic humor, folklore, and poetry that appealed to Victorian and Edwardian readers looking for light, entertaining fare. This prize-bound volume, with its gilded school emblems and decorative spine, underscores the enduring popularity of Barham’s work and serves as a fine example of the period’s appreciation for literary achievements and well-crafted books.
Condition:
Regarding condition, this copy appears to be in very good shape. The leather shows only minor rubbing at the corners and along the spine edges, and the gilt decoration remains clear and bright. Internally, the binding is firm, the marbled endpapers retain their vivid coloration, and the pages exhibit the expected light toning and occasional foxing typical of books from this era. Overall, it presents as a well-preserved and visually appealing example of Barham’s enduring collection of tales.
