Blackmore, R.D. (1825-1900)

Lorna Doone; A Romance of Exmoor [Two Volumes Complete]

Philadelphia: Henry T. Coats, c1893. Photogravures by Charles L. Mitchell and Francis Frith. Near Fine Hardcovers in a Very Good Dust Jackets.

A Gilded-Age Photogravure Edition in Rare Publisher’s Protective Jackets

This elegant Henry T. Coates two-volume edition of Lorna Doone represents one of the more attractive American presentations of Blackmore’s celebrated Exmoor romance. Issued circa 1893, the set features 51 tissue-guarded photogravure plates after Charles L. Mitchell and Francis Frith—placing it among the most visually appealing illustrated versions of the novel.

The survival of the original stiff red cloth publisher’s jackets with gilt spine titling is especially noteworthy; these protective overskins were produced in limited quantity and are seldom encountered intact. Together with richly gilt-decorated red cloth bindings and gilt top edges, the set exemplifies late-Victorian gift-book aesthetics at a high level.

Condition: Near Fine hardcovers in Very Good original protective jackets. Bindings tight and bright; gilt sharp; boards clean; minimal wear; bookplates present. Jackets show moderate shelf wear. A very appealing and well-preserved set. First Edition, Thus.

R. D. Blackmore—sometimes called the “Last Victorian”—helped bridge traditional romantic fiction and the emerging adventure-romance movement that later flourished in Stevenson and Conrad. Beloved for his lush depictions of the English countryside, Blackmore achieved global popularity, and Lorna Doone remains his enduring masterpiece. 

The story’s later cultural life includes multiple adaptations, notably the 1951 American feature film directed by Phil Karlson and starring Barbara Hale and Richard Greene and the 2000 BBC production.

Subjects: R. D. Blackmore; Lorna Doone; Photogravure Illustration; Henry T. Coates Bindings; Exmoor Literature; 19th-Century Novelists; Protective Publisher’s Jackets, Victorian Fiction; Illustrated Literary Editions; Gilded-Age Gift Books; Romantic Adventure.

Item #21332

Price: $125.00