'Burns' Poetical Works Vol. I-II+ Vol. III-IV+ Vol. V-VI Circa 1880. Lovely miniature set of the Scottish Bard's
(c1900)
work, bound in gilt-stamped brown leather with bright gilt page edges, 9 x 6.5 cm. Three books are labeled as Vol. 1-11. Vol. III-IV, and Vol. V-VI. The second and third books have attached ribbon page markers, all volumes are clean and sound within. Books are housed in a meticulously crafted leather case with envelope-style flap and metal clasp, the
poet's name stamped on top, and a gilt and brown patterned paper lining In my 30 years as a bookseller and my interest in both
miniature books and Robert Burns and is the best item the collector ever had in either of these subjects.
Dark brown (almost black) morocco. Each one 2 1/2 x 3 1/2"-slightly larger than the American "no more than 3"
in H or W or D.
All with bright gilt edges and almost looking as new.
Housed in a dark brown morocco case (rather akin to a miniature pilot's case but without a handle) 3 3/4" Lx2 3/4" H x 2" D.
The case has 'Burns' in 'gothic' style text in gold on top. The clasp is brass in a solid oval 'flip/clip' style. Inside, the lid and case, the interior is covered with dark cream with dark brown geometric 'chintz' pattern paper.
Each volume is titled thus Pearl Edition. The Poetical
Works of Robert Burns. In six volumes. (with a small oval engraving of a portrait of Burns), then the volume No. (so each book is two volumes in one), Glasgow: David Bryce & Son. Undated.
Title page for each volume preceded by an engraved image illustrating a quote from one of Burns' poems End papers black with gilt decorative borders: Some very minor cracking to tops of spines (presumably. caused by extracting them from the case?). Otherwise very good condition. F
Not contained in the NLS collection
Sold by a collector in a public auction at Bonhams, 9th November 2022.
#99