The Ingoldsby Legends, or Mirth and Marvels, by Thomas Ingoldsby, Carmine Edition, 1887

The Ingoldsby Legends, or Mirth and Marvels by Thomas Ingoldsby (the pseudonym of clergyman Richard Harris Barham) is one of the most popular collections of humorous verse and fantastical tales of the Victorian period. First published in parts beginning in 1837, the Legends blend comic storytelling with Gothic parody, whimsical folklore, and satirical wit, accompanied by lively illustrations that helped secure the work’s enduring appeal. This Carmine Edition, published by Richard Bentley & Son in 1887, continues the tradition with richly printed plates and remains a fine example of the illustrated gift editions that kept the Legends in print throughout the nineteenth century.

The Ingoldsby Legends, or Mirth and Marvels, by Thomas Ingoldsby. The Carmine Edition. With Twenty Illustrations on steel by Cruickshank, Leech, and Barham.

Published by Richard Bentley & Son, London. 1887 issue (first issued in this format we believe in 1870). 'Carmine edition'. The plates carry an 1881 date.

A very good full blue morocco leather hardback with gilt tooled decoration and title to spine. With raised bands. Light scuffing and wear and some sun-fading to spine. All soundly bound. With gilt dentelles to interior and red marbled endpapers with gold metallic veins.

Provenance: With the engraved armorial bookplate of James Unitt Parkes (c.1846-1913), London jeweller and goldsmith of J. Parkes & Co., Vigo Street, Regent Street. Parkes succeeded the long-established silver business of Dickinson in 1875 and was active in Mayfair’s luxury trade through the turn of the century. He resided at Holmwood, Putney Hill, and later at Grangemuir, Wimbledon Common. A presentation inscription to him from "J.G.H.", dated 1896, appears on the endpaper.

Text is in near fine condition throughout, with red ruled decorative borders and a very attractive set of Plates by some of the leading book illustrators of the day. With shiny full gilt edges to text block.

xiii + (iv-xvi) + 546pp + Plates. All illustrations collated and as called for.

Dimensions: 

204mm high x 155mm wide x 43mm deep.

Weight approximately 1210g.