BROWNING, POET AND MAN: A Survey
New York and London: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1899. First Edition. Hardcover. This critical appreciation of Robert Browning (1812-89) is the second in a series of original works on prominent literary figures by the longtime art critic of The New York Times. Cary (1867-1936) placed emphasis on moral earnestness, refinement, and beauty of expression, values that informed her own writing as well as that of her subjects. Large octavo: [1, blank], [1, ads], [2], ix, [1, blank], 282, [2, ads] pp. with the frontispiece and 23 full-page plates, all photogravures with red-printed captioned tissue guards, after photographs, paintings, and drawings, as well as 5 full-page halftones and engraved chapter heads and tail pieces. The title page is printed in maroon and black. In the publisher's midnight blue vertical fine-ribbed cloth binding, designed by Margaret Armstrong, with gilt-stamped silhouette designs of ironwork and grapevine, incorporating ovals panels with titling. Top edge gilt, with buff endpapers and a white silk ribbon. The bookplate of Tallmadge Hamilton on the front pastedown. Light edgewear to the boards. Better than very good. Provenance: from the Publishers' Bookbindings collection of Ellen K. Morris and Edward S. Levin. Item #79010
Price: $200.00