A handsome first edition of Edinburgh and Its Story by Oliphant Smeaton, published by J. M. Dent & Co., London, in 1904.
Part of Dent's celebrated Mediæval Towns Series, this beautifully produced volume traces the history of Scotland's capital from its earliest origins through the medieval period and into the modern city. Richly illustrated throughout by Herbert Railton and J. Ayton Symington, the book combines detailed historical narrative with architectural studies and finely executed colour and monochrome plates depicting Edinburgh's streets, landmarks and historic buildings.
This example is bound in the publisher's original decorative blue cloth with striking gilt Art Nouveau-inspired decoration featuring Scottish thistles, the Saltire and Edinburgh Castle. The binding remains bright and attractive, while the contents are clean and complete with light age-related toning. A particularly appealing copy of one of the finest illustrated books on Edinburgh produced during the Edwardian period.
Key Information
- Title: Edinburgh and Its Story
- Author: Oliphant Smeaton
- Illustrators: Herbert Railton & J. Ayton Symington
- Publisher: J. M. Dent & Co.
- Place of Publication: London
- Publication Date: 1904
- Edition: First Edition
- Series: Mediæval Towns Series
- Binding: Original decorative blue cloth with gilt blocking
- Illustrations: Colour plates and numerous black and white illustrations
- Language: English
- Format: Hardback
Condition Report
- Original decorative blue cloth binding in very good condition.
- Gilt decoration remains bright and well defined.
- Binding firm and secure.
- Pages clean with light age-related toning.
- Light spotting to the page edges only.
- No inscriptions or bookplates visible in the photographs.
- Overall an excellent, well-preserved example.