Gray's Elegy.
London and New York: Longman and Co. / Wiley and Putnam, 1846. Hardcover. This is the gorgeous 1846 edition, noteworthy for being the first book issued in the elaborate "relievo" binding patented by Frederick Leake and for the spectacularly illustrated contents executed using a chromolithographic press to achieve a fully interrelated program of illumination across the book. The elaborately and deeply embossed brown leather binding is made to imitate carved wood, each cover featuring a wide border of holly leaves framed by a smaller border and, in turn, framing center panels decorated with ivy. The front center panel features the title in Gothic script, while the rear panel features the monogram of the illustrator. The contents, bound with all edges gilt and marbled endpapers framed by gilt dentelle turn ins, eclipse even the magnificent binding. The text of Gray's Elegy - 132 lines comprised of 32 quatrains in iambic pentameter plus a four-line epitaph - is framed by 35 chromolithographed pages in blue, red, gold, white, and black with the text in gothic script, bordered and interspersed with intricate designs of varying leaves and vines.
Condition is very good. The original "relievo" leather binding is sound, square, tight, clean, and unfaded, with modest wear to extremities and joints. The contents show only trivial hints of spotting and mild age-toning. We find no previous ownership marks
"Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard" by the English poet Thomas Gray (1716-1771) was first published, anonymously, in 1751. It has become one of the most frequently quoted poems in the English language and a staple of anthologies. In 1846 it received the honor of this edition illuminated by pioneering Welsh architect, designer, design theorist, and, last but not least, book artist, Owen Jones (1809-1874). Item #008551
Price: $750.00