The Works of Lord Byron Lord Byron

TITLE: The Works of Lord Byron. Complete in one volume. Printed by H. L. Broenner (Frankfurt) for Francfort O. M. DESCRIPTION: Tall octavo (8vo.) 9 1/4 x 5 3/4 inches (235 x 148 mm). 804 pp. The second edition, considerably augmented. With copper engraved vignette on title page by Frommel. Introductory chapters: The Life of Lord Byron by J. W. Lake (41 pp.) and A Character of Lord Byron by Sir Walter Scott (2 pp.). Fine binding: Purple goatskin leather with gilt stamped diamond shape centerpiece with floral red and yellow intarsia, gilt stamped geometric frame with crescent shaped red and yellow intarsia, gilt stamped ornamental border with red leather intarsia in all four corners, gilt stamped titling on spine, richly gilt spine with four raised bands and leather intarsia in red, yellow and green, all edges gilt, and elaborate gilt stamped floral doublures (all edges), pale blue silk moire pastedowns and endplates. Gilt stamped "Brand, Rel. A Geneve" at bottom of spine. In felt-lined cardboard slipcase with leather trim around opening edges._____ CONDITION: VG. Copper engraved armorial ex-libris on front pastedown. Central panels of both boards and external hinges minimally rubbed without 'starting' or cracking. Small areas of fading to central panel of front board and slight fading to spine. Many pages (not all!) with light scattered foxing, not pronounced or obtrusive (see photos). Overall, in collectible condition for a book nearly two hundred years old in original condition. DISCUSSION: This is a fine binding in collectible condition by this little-known Genevan craftsman, described as 'the extremely rare binder' by Ramsden in French Bookbinders pg 42. Only two other bindings by Brand are recorded at auction: the Beraldi sale, part III, 1934, Lot 411 and Christie's auction No. 5586, which closed May 1, 1996, Lot 147. As noted by Christie's: In the past it had been assumed that due to the excellence of the craftsmanship, Brand was Parisian." _____PROVENANCE: Armorial ex-libris of 'Friedrich de Pourtalès. Jakob Ludwig Friedrich Wilhelm Joachim de Pourtalès (1853-1928) was a German aristocrat and diplomat who was Prussian Minister to the Kingdom of Bavaria in Munich until 1907. He then served as the Ambassador to the Russian Empire in Saint Petersburg from 1907 to 1914. The Pourtalès title was created in 1750 be King of Prussia Frederick William II. NOTE: International shipping cost to the United Kingdom and Europe is $55 U.S. dollars.