The Epicurean, A Tale. And Alciphron, A Poem. [Fore-Edge Painting].

MOORE, Thomas.

The Epicurean, A Tale. And Alciphron, A Poem. [Fore-Edge Painting].

London: John Macrone , 1839.

$1,600.00

Out of Stock Item Number: RRB-119046

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Elaborately bound example of Thomas Moore's The Epicurean; with a fore-edge painting of the Nile River at Luxor

Elaborately bound example of Thomas Moore's only prose novel. Octavo, bound in full teal cracked calf morocco by Riviere & Son with gilt titles and tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, triple gilt ruling and elaborate botanical gilt decorations to the front and rear panels, gilt turn-ins and inner dentelles, all edges gilt with a fore-edge painting of the Nile River at Luxor, illustrated with steel engravings by J. M. W. Turner. In near fine condition. A beautiful and elaborate example from Riviere & Son.

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.