Dora

Published by Cheshire, England

About this Item

Superb mid-nineteenth century amateur illuminated manuscript with original story told in blank verse. N.d., circa 1850s. With inscription dated 1865. Oblong, 24 by 30 cm. 22 leaves, with illumination, illustration and text only on recto, with exception of frontis ink drawing of Bradley Hall, where the story takes place, on the verso. The poem tells of a father who is thwarted in his wish to have his son marry his virtuous niece and of what happens when later the son dies of illness, leaving a child behind. The sentimental tone and spirit of the tale exemplifies well mid-Victorian piety. Yet while the blank verse carries echos of biblical readings, it must also be noted that it is a departure from the doggeril that was far more likely to come from the amateur pen. The calligraphy throughout is disciplined and arresting; the ornamentation is grounded mostly in the late Medieval style, with a few interpretative variants. Importantly, the illuminist never repeats himself, and there are even subtle variants employed in the lettering. Four leaves feature fuller original illustration, as opposed to being dominated by ornamental motives, and these illustrations have a naive charm that is of singular beauty. Bradley Hall is a half-timber quaint Elizabethan manor house resembling Shakespeare's house in Stratford. Blue morocco binding with gilt border, and title "Dora" spelled out in center. Edgewear to the binding. Otherwise, clean and tight.

Seller Inventory # 002644

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Dora
• Publisher: Cheshire, England
• Binding: Full Morocco
• Condition: Near Fine
• Seller catalogs:
  • Victoriana
  • Poetry
  • Manuscripts