John Greenleaf Whittier Poetical Works, 1910 Oxford Edition, Vellum Fine Binding

The Poetical Works Of John Greenleaf Whittier.

With notes, index of first lines and chronological list. Edited by W. Garrett Horder, Editor of 'The Treasury of American Sacred Song,' etc.

This 'Oxford Edition' published by Henry Frowde, Oxford University Press, London. Printed 1910.

John Greenleaf Whittier (December 17, 1807 – September 7, 1892) was an American Quaker poet and advocate of the abolition of slavery in the United States. Frequently listed as one of the fireside poets, he was influenced by the Scottish poet Robert Burns. Whittier is remembered particularly for his anti-slavery writings, as well as his 1866 book Snow-Bound. 

This edition finely bound by Birdsall, Northampton.

Birdsall and Son, of Northampton, was one of the main bookbinding firms in Great Britain from the mid-nineteenth to the mid-twentieth century.

1792 William Birdsall (c. 1750-1826) bought the bookselling and bookbinding business of John Lacy and Son in Northampton. The business also included a stationery section, a post office and a circulating library.

'William Birdsall was followed in the business by his sons, Robert and James, and later by James's widow, Ann, who sold the business in 1844 to William's great-nephew, Anthony Birdsall the elder (1819-1893).

The bookbinding side was expanded during this period, becoming the firm's main activity. Anthony Birdsall was succeeded by his son, Richard (1842-1909), under whose aegis the premises were twice enlarged and reorganised, in 1882 and 1888.

Of Richard Birdsall's three sons, it was Anthony Birdsall the younger (1877-1972) who was chiefly responsible for maintaining the family tradition of fine binding, especially following the early death of Herbert Birdsall in 1924.

1922 Listed Exhibitor - British Industries Fair. Manufacturers of Leather Wallets, Pocket Books, Albums, Blotters, Stationery Cases, Handbags, Photograph Frames, Account Books. Lithographic Printers. Bookbinders. (Stand No. J.95) 

1961 The company ceased trading.

SOURCE: Grace's Guide To British Industrial History.

CONDITION:

The book measures13.5cm 19.5cm, 4.5cm thick.

Beautifully bound in cream vellum, over boards. In remarkable condition, some light surface wear/discolouration. Intricate gilt border design matching on both boards, upper board has a gilt monogram in its centre, believed to be AMSWF. Five raised bands with 5 panels gilt decorated matching the boards, sixth panel has gilt title. Top panel is slightly dented at top edge. All edges of the boards also gilt decorated. Joints holding very strongly, no splitting. The end papers and paste downs are cream silk, in good condition with slight discolouration in parts. Vellum turn-ins decorated with gilt lines and repeating pattern. Binders name stamped to the front bottom turn-in. Hinges very strong, no splitting in the gutter, cream leather strips bound in, designed to strengthen joints, all original. First and last few blank end papers a little foxed, remainder of text block in very good condition. Slightly age toned, but good clean legible text. Tissue guarded frontispiece portrait of the author, a little foxed. No previous owner inscriptions, highlighting or notes. Gilt text block edges, still bright, but with a few light scuffs/scratches from handling. 

Overall a stunning binding on this marvelous collection of John Whittiers poetical works. Contents appears little used, with the beautiful binding showing only light signs of age, use and wear. 

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