Idylls of The King by Alfred Tennyson, 1859 | Fore-Edge Painting, Bound by Nutt

"Idylls of the King" by Alfred Tennyson, published in London by Edward Moxon & Co. in 1859. A handsome 12mo volume (4.25" x 6.75"), 261 pages, finely bound in full maroon pebbled leather with blindstamped rule framing the boards. The spine features five raised bands, gilt lettering in the second and third compartments, and gilt “1859” at the foot. All edges are gilt, with bright gilt turn-ins and page edges.

The book features a charming fore-edge painting of three men fishing from a flat-bottomed boat on a lake, with a house in the distance. There are no identifying marks as to the artist, although a bookseller's note states that the scene was copied from the 1815 Angler's Guide. The binding is signed by Nutt of Cambridge.

A three-line gift inscription dated February 26, 1860 appears on the first free flyleaf, along with some penciled bookseller's notes. Minor edgewear to the raised bands and upper joint, with minor foxing mostly confined to the first and last few leaves. A beautiful Victorian edition of Tennyson's celebrated Arthurian poetry, enhanced by an especially attractive fishing-themed fore-edge painting.