1890 Brief Historical and Descriptive Notes by Andrew Lang, Antique Illustrated History Book

This beautifully bound volume is Oxford: Brief Historical and Descriptive Notes by Andrew Lang, published in 1890 by Seeley and Co., Limited. Lang, a celebrated Scottish poet, novelist, and historian, was a fellow of Merton College, Oxford, and his love for the university is evident in this refined and poetic account of its colleges, architecture, and traditions. Far more than a dry guidebook, this work captures the romantic and intellectual spirit of Oxford at the end of the 19th century. The book is richly illustrated with engravings, including an atmospheric frontispiece of Magdalen Tower, lending visual texture to Lang’s evocative prose. What makes this copy especially striking is its original full tree calf leather binding, so named for the marbled effect resembling tree branches, achieved through a chemical staining process on polished calfskin. The spine features a red title label and elaborate gilt tooling in floral and geometric motifs, while the front and back boards are decorated with a large gilt crest of Brighton College, framed with delicate gilt ruling. Inside, the marbled endpapers in shades of blue and rust red are paired with a prize presentation label dated July 1894, awarded to a student for excellence in Classics. 

[d]Author | Andrew Lang [d]Title | Oxford: Brief Historical and Descriptive Notes [d]Publisher | Seeley and Co., Limited [d]Date | 1890 [d]Binding | Full tree calf leather [d]Features | Red title label, gilt-tooled spine, gilt Brighton College crest on boards, marbled endpapers, 1894 prize presentation label, engraved illustrations including frontispiece of Magdalen Tower [d]Dimensions | 7.75 in H x 5.5 in W x 1.5 in D [d]Origin | London [d]Language | English

[condition] The full tree calf leather binding is visually striking and retains its original character throughout. There is cracking and some loss to the top of the spine and the upper front hinge, along with rubbing to the corners and joint edges, all consistent with age and use. The leather remains supple and the boards are securely attached. The gilt tooling and school crest are bright, and the marbled endpapers are vivid and intact. Internally the pages are clean and legible with only mild toning and occasional foxing. The 1894 Brighton College prize label is well preserved. The book presents very well overall and retains its structural integrity despite the wear noted at the spine top.