The Gem; A Literary Annual. Edited by Thomas Hood, 1829

A smart 1829 volume of The Gem; A Literary Annual, edited by the poet and humorist Thomas Hood, featuring contributions from some of the era’s most notable literary figures including Sir Walter Scott, Charles Lamb, Hartley Coleridge, John Keats, and Edward Herbert. Literary annuals such as The Gem were a hallmark of early‑19th‑century gift publishing, combining high‑quality steel engravings with prose and poetry for the fashionable literary market.

The Gem; A Literary Annual. Edited by Thomas Hood, Esq.

Published by W. Marshall, London, 1829.

A very good hardback with brown calf leather spine and corners. With raised gilt bands and blind stamped decoration, and with black gilt morocco title label. With marbled paper over boards. Covers with some scuffing, bumping and wear. All soundly bound. 

Text is largely bright and clean throughout and well presented, with occasional spotted section, or scattered light spotting. The plates are bright and of high detail and quality. Marbled edges to text block. Book features a green tinted presentation plate inscribed by previous owner, near the front. This page features a blind embossed classical festooned neo-classical wreath design.

Text in English.

324pp + 16 engraved Plates. 

Dimensions: approximately 157mm high x 100mm wide x 30mm deep.

Weight: Approximately 357g (unpacked).