The Roycrofters edition of The Battle of Waterloo, published in 1907, is a striking example of the Arts & Crafts movement in American bookmaking. This edition features Victor Hugo’s dramatic account of the historic battle, excerpted from Les Misérables, and was issued by the Roycroft Press in East Aurora, New York under the direction of Elbert Hubbard.

📘 Key Features:

• Publisher: The Roycrofters, East Aurora, NY
• Date: April, 1907
• Binding: Flexible brown suede leather, with yapp edges
• Design: Some copies include decorative initials and layout work attributed to Dard Hunter, a prominent Roycroft designer A
• Format: 106 pages
• Content: Hugo’s vivid retelling of the Battle of Waterloo, emphasizing the chaos, heroism, and tragedy of war


This edition is prized not only for its literary content but also for its craftsmanship. The suede binding gives it a tactile, organic feel, and its minimalist exterior—plain embossed title box with simple, gilt lettering—reflects the Roycroft ethos of simplicity and integrity in design.

Collectors value this volume for its connection to the Roycroft movement, its decorative binding, and its place in early 20th-century American fine press history. It’s especially appealing to those who appreciate the intersection of literature, design, and cultural craftsmanship.