The Poetical Works of Sir Walter Scott by Sir Walter Scott

A handsome antique edition of The Poetical Works of Sir Walter Scott, bringing together the poetry of one of Scotland’s most celebrated literary figures. Sir Walter Scott was a major figure of nineteenth-century British literature, remembered not only for his historical novels but also for immensely popular narrative poetry including The Lay of the Last Minstrel, Marmion and The Lady of the Lake.

This attractive single-volume edition is particularly appealing as a decorative and collectable book. The Poetical Works of Sir Walter Scott is bound in burgundy/maroon boards with “Scott” in gilt to the front and “Scott’s Poetical Works” in gilt to the spine. Most strikingly, the text block has gilt edges on all three sides, which remain remarkably bright and give the volume the appearance of a quality gift or presentation edition.

The title page identifies the publisher as Eyre & Spottiswoode, His Majesty’s Printers, with London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Melbourne, Sydney and New York given as publishing locations. No publication date is visible in the supplied photographs. However, an attractive contemporary ownership/gift inscription reads “To Jenny Friedman with love from her friends Bella & Alice. 12.V.1904”, providing firm evidence that The Poetical Works of Sir Walter Scott dates from 1904 or earlier.

An appealing example for collectors of Walter Scott, Scottish literature, antique poetry, decorative bindings and attractive gilt-edged books.

Condition – Good

The burgundy binding shows age-related rubbing and wear, particularly around the extremities, corners and edges, with some surface marks and fading. The gilt lettering remains attractive. All page edges are gilt, with some scratching, rubbing and age-related wear visible to the gilt. There is some foxing and spotting internally. A handwritten gift inscription appears at the front. Pages 229 – 233 have been damaged.