Antonina : or, The Fall of Rome - A Romance of the Fifth Century
London: Richard Bentley, 1850. 1st Edition. Three-Quarter Leather. Near Fine / No Jacket. Item #018778
3 Volumes complete, 8vo.,xiv(3) 295; (4) 321(2); (4) 338(2)pp. Half-title in each volume. Publisher's adverts on two unnumbered pages at the end of Vols. 2 & 3. Sharp First Edition of the celebrated author's first published novel; an historical fiction greatly influenced by Bulwer-Lytton and Gibbon. Beautifully Bound in signed bindings by Stikeman & Co. in three-quarter brown morocco over marbled paper-covered boards. Raised bands with six gilt-bordered compartments with title, author and volume number in gilt in 2nd and 3rd compartments. Publication date in gilt at base of spine. t.e.g. Marbled end-papers with binder's stamp on verso. . All volumes square, tight and clean throughout. Perhaps a hint of page toning but no foxing. End-paper of Vol. I has a 1/2" closed tear at the top edge with a short crease below it. Top corner of preface page clipped. First page of text dog-eared. Virtually no wear to bindings. Spines perhaps are just perceptibly lighter than boards. Gilt fresh and bright. A Fine set save for the few minor interior blemishes in Vol. 1. A simply gorgeous collectable set and surprisingly quite uncommon in any condition. (Gasson, p.8; Wolff, #1344) Additional photos on request. Priority and International order may require additional postage.
Price: $1,500.00