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GOLDSMITH, OLIVER. THE VICAR OF WAKEFIELD: A TALE. Illustrated by George Thomas. London: Sampson Low, Son and Co., 1861.
An attractive early Victorian illustrated edition of Goldsmith’s enduring novel, extensively illustrated throughout by George Housman Thomas with numerous finely engraved scenes, vignettes, decorative chapter ornaments, and illustrations incorporated into the text.
Bound in full red morocco, elaborately decorated in gilt and blind, the covers featuring a striking Gothic-arched central panel surrounded by intricate gilt ornamental tooling and multiple gilt rules. Raised bands to spine with gilt title and decorative devices; all edges gilt. A notably decorative presentation of this classic of eighteenth-century English literature.
Early ownership inscription to front blank dated January 20th, 1869. Later pictorial bookplate of Minta C. Bowers, annotated “The Dickens Fair, Xmas 1966.” Printed by R. Clay, Son, and Taylor, Bread Street Hill.
Condition: Good overall. Binding remains attractive but shows considerable rubbing and wear along extremities, corners, spine and joints, with areas of surface leather loss, particularly along the front joint. Boards remain soundly attached. Scattered foxing and spotting, heavier to some preliminary leaves, with generally clean and well-preserved contents thereafter. Illustrations remain crisp and strongly printed. A visually impressive 1861 illustrated edition in ornate period full morocco.
