A handsome Victorian edition of The Poetical Works of Robert Burns, edited by William Michael Rossetti and published by Ward, Lock & Co.
This beautifully produced edition brings together the complete poetry of Scotland's National Bard, accompanied by a critical memoir by the noted writer and art critic William Michael Rossetti. Illustrated with numerous full-page engravings, the volume was produced as part of the publisher's popular series of finely bound literary classics, intended for both home libraries and gift presentation.
Bound in its striking original royal blue decorative cloth with elaborate black and gilt blocking, this copy remains an attractive example. The text block is clean and well preserved, while the decorative endpapers show noticeable foxing and staining from age and moisture exposure. Despite this, the book remains structurally sound and displays exceptionally well.
A desirable Victorian edition for collectors of Robert Burns, Scottish literature and decorative nineteenth-century bindings.
Key Information
- Title: The Poetical Works of Robert Burns
- Author: Robert Burns
- Editor: William Michael Rossetti
- Publisher: Ward, Lock & Co.
- Place of Publication: London, New York
- Publication Date: c.1880–1890
- Edition: Victorian illustrated edition
- Binding: Original decorative publisher's cloth
- Dust Jacket: No, as issued
- Illustrations: Full-page engraved illustrations
- Language: English
- Format: Hardback
Condition Report
- Original blue decorative publisher's cloth with gilt and black blocking.
- Binding firm and square.
- Gilt decoration remains bright.
- Light rubbing and minor shelf wear to extremities.
- Text pages generally clean with light age toning.
- Decorative endpapers show foxing, staining and evidence of historic moisture exposure.
- Page edges age toned.
- Overall a good to very good Victorian collector's copy.