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Stories from Virgil – A beautifully preserved Victorian retelling of Virgil’s epic tales by renowned classical scholar Alfred J. Church, illustrated throughout with twenty-four striking designs by Pinelli and enhanced by an 1888 prize presentation bookplate. An attractive nineteenth-century classical education title ideal for collectors of antique books, mythology, Latin literature, and Victorian bindings.
1 in stock
Stories from Virgil by Alfred J. Church is a charming Victorian interpretation of the great Roman poet Virgil’s legendary narratives, produced to introduce younger readers and general audiences to the timeless stories of the Aeneid. Written by the distinguished classical scholar and educator Alfred J. Church, Professor of Latin at University College London, this work became one of the most popular nineteenth-century introductions to classical literature.
This edition is particularly attractive, featuring the publisher’s original decorative brown cloth binding with gilt lettering and ornamentation to the front board and spine. Stories from Virgil is illustrated with twenty-four finely reproduced designs by the celebrated Italian artist Bartolomeo Pinelli, whose dramatic depictions of scenes from classical antiquity complement Church’s engaging retelling of Virgil’s epic adventures.
Adding considerable historical interest is the original prize presentation bookplate awarded by the Dundas Vale Training College Club for proficiency in Latin, dated 21 December 1888. Such contemporary award presentations provide a fascinating glimpse into Victorian educational practices and significantly enhance the book’s period character and provenance.
A desirable collectible for enthusiasts of classical mythology, Roman history, Latin studies, Victorian education, and antiquarian books, Stories from Virgil displays beautifully on the shelf and remains an enjoyable and accessible introduction to one of the greatest works of classical literature.
Stories from Virgil is an appealing nineteenth-century survivor that combines literary significance, decorative binding, historical provenance, and attractive illustrations.
Condition – Very Good
Classic hardcover in the original decorative brown cloth binding with gilt lettering and decoration. Boards remain attractive with moderate rubbing and wear to extremities. Front hinge exposed internally but remains intact and holding securely. Prize presentation bookplate dated 21st December 1888 affixed to the front pastedown. Prior ownership stamps present on the frontispiece verso and title page. Contents generally clean with scattered age-related foxing and toning. Binding remains sound and the illustrated plates are present.
