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A charming four-volume collection of Robert Gibbings’ celebrated illustrated river journeys, featuring Sweet Thames Run Softly, Coming Down the Wye, Lovely Is the Lee and Coming Down the Seine. Beautifully illustrated with the author’s own wood engravings and including a presentation inscription by Alice Gibbings in Sweet Thames Run Softly.
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This attractive four-volume collection brings together some of the finest works by celebrated Irish author, wood engraver and illustrator Robert Gibbings (1889–1958), one of the twentieth century’s greatest travel writers. Beautifully illustrated throughout with Gibbings’ own distinctive wood engravings, these classic river journeys combine lyrical prose, natural history, local folklore and observations of the people and landscapes encountered along some of Britain’s, Ireland’s and France’s most celebrated waterways.
Included in this collection are Sweet Thames Run Softly (1946 reprint), Coming Down the Wye (1946 reprint), Lovely Is the Lee (1949 first edition) and Coming Down the Seine (1955 Readers Union edition). Together they chart memorable journeys along the Rivers Thames, Wye, Lee and Seine, showcasing Robert Gibbings’ unique ability to blend travel writing with fine illustration and his deep appreciation for history, wildlife and the natural world.
Of particular interest is the copy of Sweet Thames Run Softly, which bears a presentation inscription from Alice Gibbings, the author’s wife, recalling a stay at The Settlers Club, Cape Town, adding a fascinating South African association to this already desirable collection.
Published by J. M. Dent & Sons, these handsome clothbound volumes remain highly sought after by collectors of illustrated books, travel literature, British and Irish topography, natural history and fine press-inspired publishing. Whether acquired as a reading library or a collector’s set, this bundle represents an excellent opportunity to own four of Robert Gibbings’ best-loved works in matching period editions.
Condition – Very Good
The books are generally in very good vintage condition overall. All are complete and firmly bound with age-related shelf wear and light foxing typical of their age. Lovely Is the Lee and Coming Down the Wye have small splits to the cloth at the spine hinges, while Sweet Thames Run Softly includes a presentation inscription by Alice Gibbings. Coming Down the Seine is the 1955 Readers Union edition. Please refer to the photographs for a detailed assessment of each volume.
