The Poetical Works of Alexander Pope. With Memoir, Critical Dissertation, and Explanatory Notes, or the Rev. George Gilfillan. [Fore-edge Painting].

POPE, Alexander. Edited by Charles Cowden Clarke.

The Poetical Works of Alexander Pope. With Memoir, Critical Dissertation, and Explanatory Notes, or the Rev. George Gilfillan. [Fore-edge Painting].

Edinburgh: James Nichol , 1863.

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Finely bound example of the Poetical Works of Alexander Pope; with an erotic fore-edge painting to each volume

Finely bound set of Pope's poetical works with an erotic fore-edge painting to each volume. Octavo, two volumes, bound in full mottled calf with gilt titles and tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, triple gilt ruling to the panels, gilt turn-ins and inner dentelles, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt with an erotic fore-edge painting to each volume. In very good condition.

The first known example of a disappearing fore-edge painting (where the painting is not visible when the book is closed) dates back to 1649. Around 1750, the subject matter of fore-edge paintings changed from simply decorative or heraldic designs to landscapes, portraits and religious scenes, usually painted in full color. The technique was popularized in the 18th century by John Brindley (1732-1756), publisher and bookbinder to the Prince of Wales and Edwards of Halifax, a distinguished family of bookbinders and booksellers. The majority of extant examples of fore-edge paintings date to the late 19th and early 20th century on reproductions of books originally published in the early 19th century, including the present volume.