THE ROMANTIC WORLD OF ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING

Browning, Elizabeth Barrett (1806–1861)

Sonnets from the Portuguese [1922 Bayntun Limited Edition] [Fine Ooze Leather Binding] [In Original Box]

Bath, George Bayntun, 1922.
THE ROMANTIC ELEGANCE OF THE BAYNTUN BINDERY
A stunning Arts & Crafts inspired gift edition of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s enduring sonnet sequence, preserved in remarkable condition. 

This 1922 George Bayntun edition of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s famous love sonnets is a'survivor.' One of 1,000 copies printed on handmade paper, it is bound in its original crimson velvet calf (ooze leather) with Arts & Crafts floral gilt tooling. Perhaps most remarkably, it retains its original publisher’s glassine and two-piece presentation box—elements almost always lost to time. Featuring the delicate Art Nouveau illustrations of Louise Gaston, this volume remains the quintessential English "gift binding" of the early 20th century.

KEY FEATURES
+++ Provenance of Craft: Printed and bound by the world-renowned George Bayntun bindery in Bath, England.
+++ Limited Edition: One of only 1,000 unnumbered copies printed on high-quality handmade paper.
+++ Deluxe Presentation: Retains the fragile original publisher's glassine wrapper and the original two-piece presentation box.
+++ Illustrations: Features 6 full-page plates, a title vignette, and decorative rubricated initials by Louise Gaston.
+++ Binding: Full crimson velvet calf with stylized gilt-tooling; top edge gilt; deckle-edged handmade paper.

CONDITION: Fine in a Very Good box -- An extraordinary copy that remains in 'as issued' condition. The crimson suede is bright and supple with a full nap and no fading. The text block is crisp and unread. The original glassine is remarkably intact with only minor creasing. The presentation box is structurally sound with light, even shelf-wear commensurate with its age.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE --
Written during her secret courtship with Robert Browning, Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s sonnets transformed Victorian poetry by replacing rigid allegory with raw, autobiographical vulnerability. This 1922 edition reflects the height of the English "gift book" era, where binderies like Bayntun created objects intended to be permanent tokens of affection. The choice of ooze leather and handmade paper highlights the Arts & Crafts movement’s influence on commercial fine binding, emphasizing texture and the "hand of the maker."

SUBJECTS: Victorian Poetry, George Bayntun, Arts & Crafts Movement, Fine Bindings, Love Poetry, English Literature, Illustrated Books, Gift Binding.

Item #21428

Price: $225.00