The Book of Beauty (Late Victorian Era) A Collection of Beautiful Portraits With Literary, Artistic and Musical Contributions by Men and Women of The Day (Second Edition Deluxe, 27/100)

Wonderful (and very scarce) copy of ' The Book of Beauty (Late Victorian Era) A Collection of Beautiful Portraits With Literary, Artistic and Musical Contributions by Men and Women of The Day'. This is number 27 out of the Second Edition de Luxe, limited to 100 copies, published by Hutchinson & Co. of London in 1896, and signed by the publisher. It was edited and arranged by Mrs F. Harcourt Williamson. This is a large format hardback, bound in cream buckram with bevelled edges, and decorated with gilt lettering and an ornate gilt design on the front cover and spine. There is no dustjacket. Internally, the book contains a number of black and white photogravures, portraits and illustrations, many with tissue covers. There are contributions from Rudyard Kipling, Wilfred Blunt and the Duchess of Bedford, to name but a few. There is considerable shelfwear to the head and tail of the spine, and the corners and edges of the covers. The covers are generally marked, worn and discoloured. The page edges are untrimmed, dustmarked and browned. The pages are browned, with scattered foxing, and the odd reading-related crease and fingermark. The tissue guards are yellowed, some are torn. The inner hinges are cracked, with the linen visible below. On the plus side, each page is bound individually, and all seem to be firmly held. The contents are clear and legible (and utterly fascinating), so Fair to Good overall. Approx. 13 x 16 3/4 inches. Further photographs available on request. Please note this is an extremely large, very heavy book, so additional postage and insurance will be required.…