Description
Here is a wonderful 3/4 leather binding edition of The Story of a Passion”, a Roycrofters book by Irving Bacheller. This is a somewhat unusual binding, as instead of the usual Morocco (Levant) leather, this one appears to be a smoother calf. 14 numbered pages plus many blank endpapers, printed by the Roycrofters in East Aurora, New York in 1901 (according to the colophon, though the copyright date is 1899 by Hubbard). The title page and chapter heads are illuminated by Emma Straight (she signed in the back). The binding has unusual mottled brown and black endpapers evocative of a jungle theme. rather than the traditional marbling. The spine has a detailed gilt floral design and lettering.
The book is in good condition, with some wear. Significant rubbing to spine, especially at the top as shown, and light scuffing to boards. Inside, the front hinge is cracking, but the binding is still tight. Some edge wear to free endpapers, but the rest of the pages are in excellent condition and the illumination is attractive–Emma did a nice job. A lovely little book.
