This collectible is a striking example of a late 19th-century Mauchline ware souvenir binding of Sir Walter Scott’s The Lady of the Lake, originally published in 1810. The binding features a finely crafted wooden cover with a photographic panel that vividly captures a traditional Scottish scene, evoking the charm and rugged beauty of the Highlands. Complemented by a leather spine adorned with elegant gold tooling and finished with gilt page edges, this edition is a true reflection of the exquisite craftsmanship typical of Mauchline ware. The Lady of the Lake itself is a narrative poem set in the misty Scottish Highlands, where themes of love, loyalty, and clan rivalry come to life, and even King James V appears in disguise, weaving a tale that blends historical intrigue with romantic myth. Scott’s work was written to celebrate the natural splendor and storied past of Scotland, capturing the imagination of readers during the Romantic era and inspiring a renewed interest in Scottish heritage and identity. This edition not only embodies the literary significance of Scott’s masterpiece but also serves as a unique artifact from a time when decorative bindings turned books into cherished keepsakes, making it an exceptional addition for collectors and enthusiasts of Scottish culture alike.
Condition:
The book’s wooden Mauchline ware boards remain solid and retain much of their original sheen, although minor surface scuffs and light wear along the edges are visible. The photographic panel on the front cover is still clear, with only faint age-related fading and no significant scratches. The leather spine shows rubbing and fading of the coloring, particularly at the head and foot, but the gold tooling is largely intact and legible. Internally, the pages exhibit mild to moderate foxing, most noticeable on the preliminaries and near the page edges, yet the text remains clear and easily readable. The gilded page edges retain their shine, with only slight dulling from handling.
No return or exchanges
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