The Dedication of Books to Patron and Friend, Henry B. Wheatley — 1st Ed

£75.00

The Dedication of Books to Patron and Friend, Henry B. Wheatley — 1st Ed

Name: The Dedication of Books to Patron and Friend, Henry B. Wheatley — 1st Ed
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 5984
Price: 75.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, Elliot Stock, 1887.

Formatting: 8vo, pp. [viii], 257.

Condition Report: Very Good. The binding remains tight and square, presenting handsomely in a custom three-quarter leather over combed marbled boards. The gilt tooling, title label, and raised bands to the spine remain remarkably bright and unoxidised, though there is some light, expected rubbing to the leather extremities and hinges. The marbled paper boards show only negligible shelf-wear. Internally, the book is crisp and clean; the pages are largely free from foxing, save for some very faint, sparse spotting to the preliminary leaves. The top edge gilt retains an excellent sheen, while the deckled fore and bottom edges are pleasingly toned with age. A standard previous ownership signature in ink is present on the front free endpaper. Overall, a highly attractive, solidly bound copy.

Catalogue Note: First edition. This volume forms part of the acclaimed 'Book-Lover's Library' series, of which Wheatley was the general editor. While standard copies were issued in cloth or a plain publisher's roxburghe, this particular copy has been elegantly bound in a bespoke contemporary three-quarter leather binding, elevating its aesthetic appeal significantly above the standard trade issue.

The text provides a comprehensive and engaging history of literary dedications, a subject central to the history of book patronage and publishing.

Copies of this work in such handsome, custom bindings are uncommonly encountered on the open market, making it an excellent addition to any bibliophile's reference library. The front free endpaper bears a subtle early ownership signature in ink, adding a touch of quiet provenance.

In The Dedication of Books to Patron and Friend, esteemed bibliographer Henry B. Wheatley traces the fascinating evolution of the literary dedication. From the grovelling panegyrics of the Elizabethan era to the more dignified expressions of friendship in the nineteenth century, Wheatley explores the complex, often fraught relationships between authors, wealthy patrons, and the reading public. Rich with historical anecdotes and curious examples, this engaging study illuminates a critical, yet frequently overlooked, chapter in the history of literature and bookmaking.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: Henry B. Wheatley

Book Publisher: Elliot Stock

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Antiquarian

Genre: History

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 257

Book Publication Year: 1887

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover, Three-Quarter Leather

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: The Book-Lover's Library

Country/region of manufacture: London, United Kingdom

Book Dimensions:

Book Condition Guide

We stock thousands of books in a wide range of conditions. To make things clear and to help you know exactly what to expect, Please refer to these condition categories to understand the condition of the book you will receive.

Condition	Description
New	A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage.
As New	The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years.
Fine	The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked.
Near Fine	The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition.
Very Good	The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present.
Good	A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy.
Fair	A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity.
Poor	A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance.