‘Prose Masterpieces from Modern Essayists’, first edition, 1886

Comprising Twelve Unabridged Essays by Irving, Lamb, De Quincy, Emerson, Arnold, Morley, Lowell, Carlyle, Macaulay, Proude, Freeman and Gladstone. With twelve portraits in permanent photography. Published by Bickers & Son, Leicester Sq London, First Edition, 1886. The preface states that ‘the purpose of the “Prose Masterpieces” was stated by the editor to be, to bring together such productions of the great modern writers of English prose as should not only present good specimens of English style”… but “can safely be recommended to students as specimens of effective literary expression and of finished literary style.”

Small 8vo - 5.75” x 8.75”. 395pp. Full emerald calf binding with gilt tooled border to both boards and edges and inside borders around pastedowns. Five raised bands and gilt decoration and title to spine. Fine marbled endpapers and page edges. School prize bookplate for The Herrick School to R. W. Smyth for Latin.

Condition: Very good+ . Boards strong and spine tight. Pages very clean with only very minor spotting on one or two. Shelf wear with slight rubbing to board edges and two minor scuff marks to front board.

English 1886