MEMORIALS OF EDINBURGH IN THE OLDEN TIME.
(Edinburgh & London: Adam & Charles Black, 1891). 247 x 190 mm. (9 3/4 x 7 1/2"). Two volumes. Second Edition.
Contemporary green three-quarter morocco, raised bands, compartments ruled in gilt and with central thistle motif with a crown, gilt lettering, top edge gilt, others plain. With 41 plates, a large fold-out map, and numerous black & white illustrations. Front pastedowns with bookplate of W[illiam] H. Bartlett of Vermejo Park, NM; rear pastedowns with sticker labelled '53.' ◆Spines sunned to brown, edges lightly rubbed, light to moderate offsetting from tissue guards.
This is a lovely history of Edinburgh by Sir Daniel Wilson (1816-92), an active member of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland who took a special interest in helping to preserve the city's historic buildings. The etchings here are based on Wilson's own drawings, and provide an invaluable record of the city's edifices before "being rapidly effaced in the progress of civic improvements." The present copy was owned by the Chicago businessman William Bartlett, who made fortune trading in grain. His bookplate depicts the fireplace at Casa Grande, the main residence on his sprawling New Mexico estate, Vermejo Park, built by Frank Lloyd Wright’s mentor, Joseph Silsbee. (ST13599-46)
Price: $300.00