c. 1887 "The Vicar of Wakefield" by Oliver Goldsmith | Victorian Gilt Stamped Cloth Binding

A Victorian parlor edition of Oliver Goldsmith's The Vicar of Wakefield, published in New York by Pollard & Moss and bound in brown cloth stamped in black and gilt.

The binding carries the piece. Aesthetic Movement scrollwork covers both boards and the spine... a swirling foliate ground, gilt title panels, a spray of leaves across the front. Editions like this were sold as much for the shelf as for the story.

An ornamental title page notes illustrations after William Mulready, R.A. On the front endpaper, a gift inscription in period ink: "Ralph D. Dean, from Aunt Myra, Christmas 1887," with a second owner's name added in 1938.

Today it works just as well stacked on a console or nightstand, or layered into a collection of decorated bindings.

Details

• Origin: New York, Pollard & Moss, 47 John Street
• Period: c. 1887 (inscribed Christmas 1887)
• Material: Cloth over boards, black and gilt stamping
• Form: Hardcover, illustrated after William Mulready, R.A.
• Condition: Wear consistent with age; rubbing and fraying at spine ends, corners bumped, pages toned, period ink inscriptions to front endpaper. Binding appears sound.