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Hard cover, 8 vo. (5" x 7 1/2") in unusually pretty duck egg blue full calf, 236 pp. First illustrated trade edition in a alternative binding (not signed.) Four gilt rose sprigs decorate the corners of the front and rear boards. The spine has intertwining gilt rose branches climbing through the author and title. All edges are gilt, including board edges and spine edges, as well as the elaborately tooled turn-ins. Endpapers are in a cream and purple "spatter" pattern, with a modern bookplate. Preface by Alfred Ainger, and One Hundred and Thirty Illustrations by Charles E. Brock. Printed by R. and R. Clark, Edinburgh. CONDITION: Near Fine. Very slight wear to boards and a couple of corners. Spine is lightly sunned. Overall, however, the book makes an excellent, and elegant, impression. The interior is fresh and bright with only a couple of small spots of foxing on the end papers. Hinges are in order, and the gilt remains bright. **Author English poet and humorist Thomas Hood (1799-1845), born above a bookshop in London, would later begin his poetry career in Dundee whilst recovering from an illness. Despite his humble beginnings, Hood's early verse gained the attention of Coleridge and Charles Lamb, the tale of which is told in Ainger's Preface to this volume.*This was book illustrator Charles E. Brock's debut in lavishly illustrated "gift books", published during this period. The expressiveness of his pen and ink illustrations have been favorably compared to the work of fellow book artist Hugh Thomson. Brock and Hood would work together at the Magazine Punch during this time.
Ref: ILLUS 8150
$275.00 $233.75