Description
Here is a nice copy of “Christmas Eve” by Robert Browning and printed by the Roycrofters in East Aurora, New York in 1899. What makes it especially interesting is that the leading W “diamond” initial was designed by Wizard of Oz illustrator W W Denslow–see the Spring 2015 Baum Bugle article on Denslow and the Roycrofters and accompanying checklist, p. 77. The book is 6″ x 8″, 81 numbered pages. The book is lightly illumined on the title page and more elaborately on the 22 chapter head initials throughout, very pretty. In rich caramel suede with brown silk endpapers. The cover label is tilted off horizontal, as are all of this title in this binding style.
Exterior is in good condition except for a corner chip that looks to have been repaired. The suede is still clean, pretty and soft. Inside, the front hinges is lightly split but the binding is still well attached. Amazing dragon bookplate on front endpaper. The text pages have some age toning and most of the French-folded gatherings have yet to be manually separated at the top. Overall in very good condition, and a lovely little Roycroft classic. See also my other Roycroft leather books currently listed, some with Denslow elements.
“Hold a Roycroft book, and hold a moment in time.”
