1840 24+1 Vol FIRST Edtn Dresses Costumes Decorations Middle Ages Henry Shaw VGC

Description: Dresses and Decorations of the Middle Ages from the Seventh to the Seventeenth Centuries. Shaw, Henry (1800-1873), Published by William Pickering, London, 1840 original 24 volumes (plus the supplement of 1843) Wonderful coloured drawings and plates in this spectacular production. Very scarce in the 24 volume state and highly collectable. In very good condition, the plates are all eminently frameable. An exceptional and highly regarded work: Ruari McLean states ''a magnificent production. It has considerable claim to be called the most handsome book produced in the whole of the nineteenth century'' (Mclean Victorian Book design and colour printing . p. 66). Henry Shaw (1800-1873), was a businessman and lifelong antiquarian and illustrator. A truly handsome publication on life in the Middle Ages from the seventh to the seventeenth centuries illustrated with 94 plates each with tissue guard. A crowning achievement in mid-19th century bookmaking, these 184 year old coloured plates by William Pickering are breathtaking. With some duo tone but mainly gilt and hand coloured plates including an engraved chromolithograph title page and many colour woodcuts, vignettes, devices and illuminated initials based on early manuscripts within the text. Unpaginated throughout , vol 25 , the supplement, contains introduction, both title pages for vol 1 and 2 in bound format, with both lists of engravings and the corrigenda page. All plates have been collated, 79 full colour, two of which are double folding plates, and 15 duo (or triple) tone.This is a complete set in very good condition indeed. Now housed in a custom made slip case and decorated outer case, the volumes are all complete, tight, no writing nor tears, with minimal handling creases or marks to the covers, and internally there are very few foxing spots, and two plates have a stain mark, one plate foxing spots, (photo), otherwise clean and crisp, with bright colours. Part 24 and the supplement were both issued with loose leaves and not bound in, subsequently the wraparound paper cover has separated along the spine. Furthermore one text page on William Longuespée has an ancient and expert repair, again, photographed. The supplement has a semicircular tide mark, half way up the leading edge. I have described this production in great detail, and collated all the plates, which did not appear in the same order in the parts 1-24 as in the chronological order of the two volume book but all are present as originally published. Shaw's book vividly illustrates the look of the Middle Ages, depicting the costumes and customs of noblemen, women, and the clergy during the Medieval Period. The plates illustrate paintings, stained glass, jewellery, furniture, vestments, golden cups and chalices, royal genealogy, jousting and dueling, notable ladies of the period (including Catherine of Aragon), and the founding of the British Monarchy, beginning with King Alfred. If you have any further questions please message me. Please refer to photos which form part of the description and good luck. Postage is at less than cost and includes insurance and tracking which is heavily subsidised due to value of book and eBay ‘limiting’ postage fees. Thank you for viewing

Price: 1250 GBP

Location: Bishop's Stortford

End Time: 2024-11-24T21:09:51.000Z

Shipping Cost: 102.45 GBP