1895 Palmyra and Zenobia Wright Full Calf Prize Binding History

A richly bound Victorian history of the ancient city of Palmyra and its legendary queen, Zenobia, presented in a striking full polished calf prize binding. Published in 1895 by Thomas Nelson and Sons, William Wright’s work blends travel writing, archaeology, and historical narrative, offering a vivid account of one of the most fascinating cities of the ancient world.

This copy stands out with its handsome school prize binding from The King’s School in Chester, featuring a bold gilt royal arms crest with lion and unicorn on the front board. The spine is decorated with raised bands, ornate gilt tooling, and a red morocco title label, while marbled endpapers and a marbled fore edge add depth and color. Illustrated plates of Palmyra’s ruins enhance the text and make this a strong visual piece for both reading and display.

[d]Author | William Wright [d]Title | Palmyra and Zenobia [d]Publisher | Thomas Nelson and Sons [d]Date | 1895 [d]Edition | Victorian edition [d]Binding | Full polished calf prize binding, The King's School Chester [d]Features | Gilt royal arms crest, raised spine bands, ornate gilt tooling, red morocco title label, marbled endpapers, marbled fore edge [d]Illustrations | Plates of Palmyra ruins [d]Dimensions | 8 in H x 6 in W x 1.5 in D [d]Origin | England [d]Subject | Ancient history, Palmyra, Queen Zenobia, archaeology [d]Language | English 

[condition] The binding is in very good antique condition. The full polished calf shows light rubbing at the corners and edges with a few natural surface marks and a small chip at the head of the spine. The gilt royal arms crest and spine decoration remain bright and well defined throughout. The joints are firm and the structure is solid with no looseness or cracking.

Internally the pages are clean overall with mild foxing near the prize plate and light, even toning consistent with age. The marbled endpapers and fore edge retain strong color. All illustrated plates are present and clear.