1889 The Essays of Elia & Eliana by Charles Lamb
1889 The Essays of Elia & Eliana by Charles Lamb
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A beautifully made late Victorian edition of The Essays of Elia and Eliana by Charles Lamb, published in London by George Bell & Sons in 1889. Writing as “Elia,” Lamb blends witty observation with warm nostalgia for old London, childhood memories, books, theater, and everyday life, making these essays timeless, funny, and unexpectedly tender.
This copy is especially collectible for its King Edward’s School, Birmingham prize binding, featuring a bold gilt school crest on the red cloth boards and vibrant marbled endpapers. The original award plate is present, made out to Nellie Jane Kendall and dated December 1890, adding real period provenance. A standout piece for lovers of classic English literature, decorative bindings, and school prize history.
The binding is solid and structurally sound. The leather spine and corners show noticeable rubbing and scuffing consistent with age and handling, with edge wear and softened corners throughout. The red cloth boards remain vivid and the gilt school crest to the front board is bright and sharp. The marbled endpapers are especially fine, fully intact and full of color. Internally the pages are clean and readable. Scattered foxing and light age spotting are present, most noticeable on the preliminary leaves, with some mild offsetting from the frontispiece. The prize plate is present and fully legible. A solid and characterful copy that displays extremely well.
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