Published in London by Arthur L. Humphreys in 1906, Literary Essays brings together five important works of literary criticism by John Morley (1838–1923), the distinguished British statesman, historian, biographer, and literary critic. A major intellectual figure of Victorian and Edwardian England, Morley was widely respected for his insightful examinations of literature, history, and political thought.  The volume contains substantial critical essays on four towering figures of British literature: Lord Byron, Thomas Carlyle, Thomas Babington Macaulay, and William Wordsworth, together with Morley's celebrated essay On the Study of Literature. These thoughtful studies explore the literary achievements, intellectual influence, personalities, and enduring significance of these writers.

This FIRST THUS 1906 Arthur L. Humphreys edition assembles five essays previously published in Morley's earlier literary works, including Critical Miscellanies and Studies in Literature. The preliminary page states "Reprinted by permission of Messrs Macmillan & Co." This appears to be the first publication of these five essays together under the title Literary Essays, representing an attractive and collectible early twentieth-century edition of Morley's literary criticism.

Beautifully bound in three-quarter black leather over contrasting textured blue boards, with raised spine bands and elegant gilt lettering, including the publication date at the foot of the spine.  The pages are very clean and white (unusually so in my opinion) with gilt page tops and rough cut fore and bottom edges.  The binding is exceptionally attractive, with only minor evidence of age and handling. 

AN ESPECIALLY HANDSOME EXAMPLE OF EDWARDIAN BOOKBINDING, PRESENTING BEAUTIFULLY AFTER MORE THAN A CENTURY.  

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