Art, Gold & Silver, Primitives & Rare Books
Lot 231:
Description
19th century manuscript poetry album measuring approximately 9 x 7.5 x 0.3 inches, bound in marbled paper boards with leather spine and containing numerous neatly handwritten poems, literary passages, and personal inscriptions in period ib4323. The volume includes carefully penned poetry such as “Mary Queen of Scots, ” additional verses including “To the Memory of the Past, ” and other romantic and reflective period poems written in an elegant hand typical of mid-19th century literary albums. Several pages appear to be presentation or remembrance pieces, including a manuscript dedication reading “To my Cousin Eliza Robinson written about the time of the solemnization of her nuptials 8th of 6th Month 1842,” suggesting the album functioned as a personal friendship or poetry book. The interior also contains a small pencil portrait profile sketch of a young gentleman and a loose handwritten poem titled “To Frederic and Eliza on the prospect of separation, ” adding further personal character to the manuscript. Overall condition shows typical wear including toning, scattered foxing, minor page creases, and binding wear consistent with age, but the book remains a charming example of a 19th century handwritten poetry album reflecting personal literary culture of the era.
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