ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND IN PUBLISHER’S ORNATELY GILT-DECORATED MOROCCO

(ENGLAND) (SCOTLAND) ARCHER, Thomas. Pictures and Royal Portraits Illustrative of English and Scottish History, from the Introduction of Christianity to the Present Time. London: Blackie & Son, 1880. Two volumes. Quarto, publisher's deluxe full crimson morocco gilt, elaborately black- and gilt-decorated covers and spines with coats of arms and emblems, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt. $4500.

Early edition of this comprehensive illustrated history, with 69 fine full-page sepia-toned steel engravings, very handsome in publisher’s deluxe morocco-gilt.

This popular history is profusely illustrated with engravings that are "faithful reproductions of famous historical paintings by eminent artists," including Benjamin West, John Singleton Copely, Anthony van Dyck, Franz Winterhalter, and many others. The text provides a comprehensive history of England and Scotland from Celtic and Roman beginnings to the early years of Victoria's reign. First published 1878.

Fine condition, beautiful in publisher's ornate morocco-gilt bindings.