Antique 1900 “Crichton” by William Harrison Ainsworth | Victorian Hardcover Book

A beautiful turn-of-the-century edition of William Harrison Ainsworth’s Crichton, published by The Rittenhouse Press in Philadelphia in 1900.  The real star here is the binding: deep navy cloth decorated with elaborate gilt rules, heraldic shields, a central royal coat of arms, botanical ornament, and an exceptionally decorative gilt spine. It is a wonderful example of the late-Victorian/Edwardian fascination with books as objects of design as well as literature.  Ainsworth’s Crichton was originally published in 1837 and is a historical romance centered on James Crichton, the legendary Scottish scholar and adventurer known as the “Admirable Crichton.” This later American edition makes a particularly handsome addition to a library, study, bookshelf, or collection of beautifully bound books.  Details The book is complete and presents beautifully overall, with the expected wear of a 120+ year-old book. There is rubbing and surface wear to the cloth, edge wear and some fraying at the spine ends, and noticeable loss/wear to portions of the gilt decoration, particularly toward the lower spine. The rear board also shows areas of discoloration and rubbing.  The interior is generally clean and intact, with some age-related toning and occasional spotting. Please review all photographs carefully, as they are part of the description.  A particularly handsome antique book for someone who appreciates the object as much as the text.