Bitter-Sweet: A Poem — J. G. Holland. New York: Charles Scribner, 1864. Illustrated by E. J. Whitney. 232 pages. 6.25 x 8.5 inches.
A striking Victorian decorative book in brilliant deep blue cloth, elaborately gilt and embossed on both covers and spine. All edges gilt, with dark brown endpapers and numerous illustrations throughout.
An unusually attractive surviving copy: gilt remains remarkably bright, blue cloth is rich and unfaded, and the interior is strikingly clean. No writing or marks. Light rubbing at spine ends and corners.
Bitter-Sweet: A Poem
J. G. Holland
New York: Charles Scribner
1864
Illustrated edition, with illustrations by E. J. Whitney
A particularly handsome example of mid-19th-century American Victorian decorative bookbinding, published by Charles Scribner in 1864.
The binding is the immediate attraction: rich cobalt/deep blue cloth with elaborate gilt decoration covering both boards and the spine, supplemented by blind-stamped floral decoration. The front and rear boards carry large architectural/floral gilt panels surrounding the title, while the spine is extensively decorated with gilt flowers, ornament and ribbon lettering.
The preservation of the binding is especially appealing. The blue remains brilliant and unfaded and the gilt is remarkably bright, giving the book tremendous shelf and display presence.
The volume is also extensively illustrated. The illustration list occupies several pages and credits E. J. Whitney and numerous engravers, with illustrations, decorative headings, initials and tailpieces appearing throughout the 232-page text.
232 pages. 6.25 x 8.5 inches. All edges gilt. Dark brown endpapers.
Condition: A beautiful copy with spectacular covers and a strikingly clean interior. Light rubbing at the spine ends and corners; otherwise the blue cloth and extensive gilt decoration remain exceptionally bright. No writing or marks.
A strong example of the elaborate decorative bindings produced during the height of Victorian gift-book publishing.