The Book of Gems : The Modern Poets and Artists of Great Britain

xvi, 304pp [6]. With vignette on title page, forty-three further engravings in text and four pages of signatures. Bound in full tan morocco with extensive blind and gilt decorations, five raised bands and dark leather title label on spine. All edges gilt and inner gilt dentelles. Leather a little worn at edges, especially around spine ends and folds but still bright, attractive and firm. Internally, hinges strained between endpapers and a little spotting. An extensive collection of poetry by the most prominent and prolific poets of the 19th century, including Wordsworth, Southey, Byron, Shelley etc, illustrated by leading artists of the time such as R P Bonington, Edward Landseer, David Maclise etc. A truly handsome and tactile volume. 8vo.