Beautiful vintage circa 1970s edition of Barchester Towers, by Anthony Trollope, with drawings by Donald McKay. International Collectors Library, New York.
There is no publication date, but the series dates back to 1970s. Illustrations have copyright in 1945.
Collectible volume, dark green leatherette with rich gilt ornamentation and lettering on cover and spine. Deckled edges and top edges gilt. The book is almost as good as new, there is minor wear at front spine (at bend), and owner’s name written on top of title page (which can be easily covered up).
Barchester Towers is part of the Great English Novels of the 19th Century series of the International Collectors Library. The binding for the works in this series has been recreated by the contemporary American designer Rafael Palacios from an original found on Memoires de Madame de Stael, published in Parish in 1891. The design is the creation of French master bookbinder Emile Mercier. The delicate all-over pattern of squares running diagonally, with rosettes at each corner, reflects the elegance of bygone era of craftsmanship. The spine of the original bears raised bands (the hallmark of many collectors’ editions) and is divided into six panels with a gold pointelle ornament.
The present replica edition closely follows the conception of Mercier’s design. Like the original, it is slate blue with genuine gold on the filigreed front cover and panelled spine, with had raised bands. There is matching ribbon marker.
Beautiful collectible edition of the classic novel, would make a wonderful gift.
