THE STORY OF NELL GWYN: and the Sayings of Charles the Second
London: Bradbury & Evans, 1852. Hardcover. One of the first actresses on the English stage, Eleanor Gwyn (1650-1687) became best known for being a long-time mistress of King Charles II. Called “pretty, witty Nell” by Samuel Pepys, she has been regarded as a living embodiment of the spirit of Restoration England and has come to be considered a folk heroine, with a story echoing the rags-to-royalty tale of Cinderella. 212 p. with a frontispiece portrait, 24 plates, and 6 textual illustrations. Octavo. In a full blue morocco binding by Root & Son, with decorative gilt stamping, five raised bands, ornamental dentelles, silk endpapers, and a ribbon marker (the original cloth has is bound in at the rear). Ink presentation inscription by binder Herbert E. Root on a prefatory blank leaf. The front hinge and front joint are starting, with some minor rubbing along the rear joint. Some sun fading to the spine; else very good. Very good. Item #73188
Price: $100.00