"FOND ADHERENCE TO THEIR PRIMITIVE GARB": BEAUTIFUL COPY OF CLANS OF THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS, WITH 72 SPLENDID HAND-COLORED LARGE FOLIO PLATES OF TARTANS

LOGAN, James and MCIAN, Robert Ronald. The Clans of the Scottish Highlands. London: Willis and Sotheran, 1857. Two volumes. Folio (11 by 15 inches), publisher's full red pebbled morocco, elaborately gilt-decorated spine and covers with Scottish motifs, raised bands, all edges gilt. $11,500.

Second edition of the first illustrated encyclopedia of traditional Scottish tartans, with two chromolithographic heraldic frontispieces and 72 vibrant, hand-colored lithographic plates after the celebrated paintings of Robert Ronald McIan. An excellent copy in splendid publisher's deluxe morocco-gilt.

Initially an aspiring actor in London, Robert Ronald McIan eventually abandoned the stage to develop his gifts as a painter. Today, he is best remembered for the vibrant and dramatic illustrations of Highlanders in their tartans that fill these volumes. McIan's art, supplemented by text from scholar and journalist James Logan (author of the landmark The Scottish Gael, 1831), helped fuel the Victorian public's fascination with Scottish costumes, particularly following the 1782 law prohibiting the wearing of Highland dress. Very popular at the time, McIan's Clans is still considered the finest example of a large number of works on the subject. First published 1845-47 by Ackermann and Co.; this Willis and Sotheran edition is essentially an identical reissue of that earlier work with an altered letterpress title page, published shortly after McIan's death in 1856. Hiller, 550. Tooley 322. Houfe, 219. See Colas 1892. Armorial bookplate in each volume.

Occasional light spotting; hinges and spines expertly refurbished. A handsome copy in excellent condition.