HEREWARD THE WAKE, “LAST OF THE ENGLISH.”
London and Cambridge: Macmillan and Co., 1866. First Edition. Hardcover. Perhaps a review copy: a holographic note that reads “From the Publisher” appears on the half-title in the first volume. The story of Hereward, a historical Anglo-Saxon figure who led resistance against the Normans from a base in Ely surrounded by fen land. It was Kingsley’s last historical novel, and was instrumental in elevating Hereward into an English folk hero. From the library of Scottish lawyer, university administrator, and bibliophile Dr. Alexander Bennett McGrigor of Cairnoch LLD (1827-1891), with his gilt-stamped leather bookplate to each front pastedown. Octavo, two volumes. In three-quarter brown morocco over marbled paper bindings by Maclehose of Glasgow, with gilt titles, five raised bands, and matching marbled endpapers. The original cloth has been laid down on blank leaves and bound in at the rear. The spines are a touch sun faded; otherwise very good and quite lovely. Very good. Item #70048
Price: $300.00