THE BALLAD OF MR. ROOK. G.W. (GEORGE WYNDHAM). ILLUSTRATED BY THE HON. MRS. PERCY WYNDHAM. FIRST EDITION. 1901. COMPLETE WITH 6 COLOUR PLATES.

A scarce and attractive large-format Edwardian illustrated book, The Ballad of Mr. Rook, written by G.W. (George Wyndham) and illustrated by The Hon. Mrs. Percy Wyndham, published by Smith, Elder & Co., London, 1901.

Large square folio in the original publisher’s blue cloth binding with black lettering and decorative rook design to the upper cover. A charming blend of verse and illustration, notable for its atmospheric colour plates depicting rooks and winter landscapes in a distinctive Arts & Crafts / Edwardian style.

This copy retains all six full-page colour plates, including the attractive snowy landscape scenes and bird illustrations for which the book is best known.

A particularly appealing contemporary presentation inscription appears to the front:

“For dear Marjorie & Lillian, a Christmas present from Grandmother. 1901.”

The inscription is contemporary with publication and provides a pleasing glimpse into the book’s early history.

Bibliographic Details

* Title: The Ballad of Mr. Rook

* Author: G.W. (George Wyndham)

* Illustrator: The Hon. Mrs. Percy Wyndham

* Publisher: Smith, Elder & Co., London

* Date: 1901

* Edition: First Edition

* Format: Large square folio

* Binding: Original publisher’s blue cloth

* Illustrations: Complete with 6 full-page colour plates

Condition

Original cloth binding with rubbing, bumping and wear to edges and corners. Front hinge weakened/split with binding strain visible. Foxing scattered throughout, particularly to preliminary leaves and margins. All six colour plates present. The book remains an attractive and increasingly uncommon example of Edwardian illustrated book production.

Please study all photographs carefully as they form part of the description and condition report.

A scarce and desirable first edition, particularly sought after for its illustrations by The Hon. Mrs. Percy Wyndham, offered complete with all six colour plates and a contemporary 1901 Christmas presentation inscription.