The Hermits, by The Rev. Charles Kingsley, Macmillan, c. 1880

The Hermits by Charles Kingsley is a series of engaging historical and biographical sketches exploring the lives of early Christian ascetics and recluses, particularly those of the Egyptian and Syrian deserts. First published in the mid-nineteenth century, the work reflects Kingsley’s characteristic blend of scholarship, moral reflection and accessible narrative, bringing to life figures whose withdrawal from the world shaped early Christian thought and tradition. Written with clarity and quiet authority, it remains one of his more enduring and readable historical works.

The Hermits, by The Rev. Charles Kingsley.

Published by Macmillan & Co Publishers. Undated, but likely c.1880, in a contemporary Victorian prize binding from Craigmount House School, Edinburgh (founded 1874).

A handsome, very good, hardback in an attractive prize presentation binding. In full dark green leather with attractive gilt armorial and tooled decoration from Craigmount House School in Edinburgh (no presentation label or recipient inscription). Spine with full tooled gilt decoration, raised bands, and red morocco title label. Covers with light rubbing and wear. Feathered marble endpapers and gilt decorated edges to boards.

Provenance: Signature and bookplate of a David Fife Anderson, dated to May, 1947 on first pastedown. Likely to be David Fife Anderson (1908-1988), obstetrician and gynaecologist, and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Glasgow.

The text is very good - bright and clean throughout, with the occasional scattered age spot. Feathered marble edges to text block.

Text in English.

(iv) + 335pp. With 3 Plates and colour title page - all present as called for.