Wonderful copy of Sidney's classic. From a horse breeding family's extensive estate library of over 10,000 books, was originally purchased in Oxford and contains the bookplate of the Prime Minister of England from 1894-1895 Lord Rosebery - according to the attached plate next to it (see photo to right). No dates, the first printing of the title was 1873; five subsequent editions were published. To the best of my research this is the second edition. It has 24 color plates (including frontis) and numerous wood engravings. It appears to have been professionally rebound in blue cloth with blindstamped decorative in black and gilt. Covers are bright with light edge wear, spine is lightly sundarkened with rubbing and light creasing at hinges, not unexpected given its size. The spine gilt is still there although not as bright as the cover. Foxing from frontis to title page but all other color plates have laid in tissue guard. This important copy of a scarce title is in condition suitable for collectors. Any horse lover should have a copy just for the color plates let alone the historic nature of the text.
By S. Sidney
24 color plates
$1200 w/ free S&H, insurance required