1861 John Ruskin Selections 1st Edition Worsfold Morocco Leather Fine Binding For Sale

JOHN RUSKIN — SELECTIONS FROM THE WRITINGS OF JOHN RUSKIN
1861 First Edition · Fine Binding by William Worsfold
Full Green Morocco Leather with Gilt Foliate Decoration

RUSKIN, John. Selections from the Writings of John Ruskin. London: Smith, Elder and Co., 1861. First edition. Octavo, viii, 440 pages. Approximately 192 × 128 mm.

With an engraved portrait frontispiece by Francis Holl after George Richmond.

A handsome first edition of this substantial Ruskin anthology, in a later full green crushed morocco leather binding by William Worsfold of London, bearing his gilt binder’s stamp on the front turn-in.

The Worsfold Binding

Gilt leaves and curling stems fill the spine compartments and form large ornamental cornerpieces on both covers. Triple gilt borders frame the boards, with further tooling to the board edges and wide inner dentelles.

The spine has five raised bands, gilt lettering, and the publication date at its foot. All page edges are gilt.

The green morocco has faded to warm brown on the spine and around portions of the board edges. The gilt decoration remains bright and gives the volume considerable shelf appeal.

The binder’s signature reads “W. WORSFOLD.”

The Contents

This anthology brings together selections from the major works of Ruskin’s early and middle career, including:

• Modern Painters
• The Seven Lamps of Architecture
• The Stones of Venice
• Lectures on Architecture and Painting
• The Two Paths
• The Harbours of England
• The Political Economy of Art

The selections are arranged under six headings: Scenes of Travel; Characteristics of Nature; Painting and Painters; Architecture and Sculpture; Ethical; and Miscellaneous.

Together they offer a wide-ranging introduction to Ruskin’s writing on landscape, painting, Gothic architecture, craftsmanship, and moral responsibility. The binding’s naturalistic ornament provides an appealing visual complement to these subjects.

Condition

Very good overall.

Binding firm, with rubbing to the spine ends, raised bands, joints, corners, and edges. The spine and portions of the board borders have faded from green to brown. The gilt tooling and lettering remain clear and attractive.

Interior generally clean, with age toning, occasional foxing, and scattered spotting, particularly to the preliminary leaves. Engraved portrait frontispiece present.

Institutional library stamps appear on a preliminary leaf and the title page. A handwritten notation is also present on a preliminary leaf.

The book is not signed by Ruskin; the signature is Worsfold’s binder’s stamp.

Please examine the photographs for the binding decoration, binder’s stamp, ownership marks, and condition.