This stunning edition of Memories of Father Healy was published by Richard Bentley and Sons in 1896. So the book is from the late Victorian era. It is full bound in half calf leather over marbled paper boards, and all edges are gilt. The spine features beautiful gilt tooling and three raised bands. What's particularly interesting to note is that the book is from the library of Lord Battersea. As well as being a politician, Lord Battersea was a patron of the arts. He and his wife were noted for their philanthropic work, particularly to the working class. However, in 1902, Lord Battersea was involved in a homosexual scandal. Despite being the ringleader in the case, in which two of the other participants were imprisoned, he was secretly granted immunity from prosecution by the Government of Arthur Balfour. Following her husband's enforced retirement, Lady Battersea devoted most of her time and vast wealth to improving the living conditions of female prisoners; her work was recognised by her appointment by the Government to a prison board.
The book is in very good condition with the most noticeable flaw being the sunning and scuffing to the spine. The boards show some scuffing and marking and there is wear to the corners, which has caused minor loss to the surface of the leather. The gilt text block edges also show some scuffing.
Inside, the endpapers are marbled and there is Lord Battersea's Coat of Arms plate glued to the front pastedown. The pages show age light toning and occasional foxing but the text is clear and bright.
Dimensions approximately 18.7cm x 12.7cm x 2.7cm.
Each book will arrive hand wrapped in patterned wallpaper and string.
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