Romola – George Eliot – Illustrated by Ambrose Dudley (James Nisbet & Co., 1905)
Romola – George Eliot – Illustrated by Ambrose Dudley (James Nisbet & Co., 1905)
This James Nisbet & Co. illustrated edition (1905) is of interest to collectors of George Eliot, Edwardian illustrated books, and Victorian and Edwardian decorative bindings.
About: A good copy in the original teal green cloth with elaborate Art Nouveau polychrome and gilt floral panel blocking to the front board, a black-ground panel with red, gold and teal flowers and vine tendrils, and gilt lettering and floral blocking to the spine. Boards worn and rubbed throughout with surface scuffing and fading; the decorative blocking largely intact though dulled; gilt lettering present. Spine worn and faded with fraying at head and foot and some loss to extremities. Rear board with significant wear, scuffing and cloth loss along the spine joint; boards sound. Text block toned at page edges as expected for 1905; Ambrose Dudley's illustrations present and clean throughout; pencilled ownership notation to front endpaper. A characterful and displayable copy of this attractive Edwardian illustrated Eliot in its striking Art Nouveau binding.
Details:
- Title: Romola
- Author: George Eliot
- Illustrator: Ambrose Dudley
- Publisher: James Nisbet & Co., Limited, 21 Berners Street, London
- Publication Date: 1905
- Edition: James Nisbet illustrated edition
- Binding: Hardcover, original teal green cloth with Art Nouveau polychrome and gilt panel blocking
- Condition: Good
- Dust Jacket Condition: None issued
Synopsis: James Nisbet illustrated edition of George Eliot's historical novel, with Ambrose Dudley's illustrations and the striking original Art Nouveau polychrome and gilt decorated cloth binding. A handsome and displayable Edwardian Eliot for collectors of Victorian and Edwardian illustrated books and decorative bindings.
Review: George Eliot's Romola (1862–63) is her most ambitious historical novel, set in late 15th-century Florence during the turbulent years of Savonarola's rise and fall. The novel follows Romola, the daughter of a blind Florentine scholar, as she navigates the competing claims of duty, faith, and love against the backdrop of political and religious upheaval. Eliot's meticulous historical research and psychological depth make it one of the most intellectually serious works of Victorian fiction. This James Nisbet edition of 1905, with illustrations by Ambrose Dudley and its richly decorated Art Nouveau binding, is a handsome example of Edwardian gift book production.