The Star-Chamber [Fine Binding by Brentano's] [Illustrated by Phiz]
by Ainsworth, William Harrison (1805-1882) ; Browne, Hablot Knight [Illustrator]
$250 · Offered by Biblio
In dust jacket
London: George Routledge and Sons, 1880. Fine/No Dust Jacket Issued. A superbly bound Victorian historical romance, pairing Ainsworth's cinematic pageantry with the iconic illustrations of 'Phiz'. Set against the backdrop of the notorious Star Chamber during the reign of James I, the narrative captures the political tension between the monarchy, the Church, and a burgeoning Parliament. This copy is a premier example of late 19th-century craft, professionally bound for the carriage trade by the legendary Brentano's. KEY FEATURES: +++ Visuals: Features 8 full-page engraved plates by Hablot Knight Browne (Phiz), the celebrated illustrator of Charles Dickens. +++ Binding: Deluxe red half-morocco leather over marbled paper-covered boards; spine with five raised bands, gilt-tooled compartments, and gilt titles; top edge gilt (TEG). Bound by Brentano's. +++ Content: An evocative blend of fact and fiction centering on the extra-judicial English court of the Star Chamber. +++ Imprint: London: George Routledge and Sons, 1880. +++ Specs: Octavo (8.875 inches tall) / 296 pages. CONDITION: Fine. The bindings are tight, square, and structurally flawless. The morocco is supple with vibrant color and bright, unrubbed gilt. The text block is clean with only light, even age-toning. Minimal shelf handling wear to the extremities. A handsome, 'bright' copy that presents exceptionally well on the shelf. SCHOLARLY FEATURES +++ Historical Context: Ainsworth's legal training is evident in his choice
- Publisher: George Routledge and Sons
- Year: 1880
- Binding: unknown
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