This is a beautifully bound mid-19th century edition of The Works of Oliver Goldsmith, published by Charles Daly of London, likely in the 1840s or 1850s. It features Goldsmith’s most celebrated poems, comedies, essays, and the beloved novel The Vicar of Wakefield, with a biographical introduction written by Washington Irving—famed author of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Irving’s thoughtful memoir of Goldsmith added renewed appreciation for the Irish writer’s wit, moral sensibility, and literary brilliance during a time when Victorian readers were eager to reconnect with Enlightenment-era authors. Books like this were often given as presentation copies or school prizes, and this example—with its ornate full red calf leather binding, gilt tooling, and luxurious gilt page edges—was clearly intended as a gift-quality volume.
Bound in richly decorated red leather with elaborate gilt floral motifs on both spine and boards, this volume features raised bands, gilt dentelles, and illustrated title and frontispiece engravings that add to its elegance. The craftsmanship reflects the high standards of mid-19th century publishing, where aesthetics and literature were held in equal regard. Goldsmith’s The Deserted Village, The Traveller, She Stoops to Conquer, and various satirical and lyrical poems are included in full, offering readers both entertainment and a window into 18th-century English society. The addition of Washington Irving’s biography makes this edition not just a literary collection but also a tribute to Goldsmith’s enduring legacy.
Condition:
The leather remains supple and richly colored, with the gilt still bright and crisp. There is minor surface wear and rubbing to the edges and corners, as well as a darkened patch on the spine where a label or sticker was likely removed. The binding remains firm and the interior pages are clean, with only mild age toning to the endpapers. The all gilt edges (AEG) shimmer beautifully, and the illustrations remain sharp. Altogether, this is a striking and elegant volume that showcases both literary and bookbinding craftsmanship—ideal for collectors of fine bindings or fans of 18th-century English literature.
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