Fascinating assemblage in large folio [12 x 16 inches] of Christmas Issues of "The Graphic" magazine, which brought together the best of original writings by prominent authors and engravings by the finest artists as well. It is a joy to meander through.
There are far too many full color and high quality full page, half page, and double page [so 16 x 24] lithographs to show here. Some of them sell for hundreds of dollars each separately [see for instance Charles Stanley Reinhart's For those in Peril at Sea, so admired by Vincent Van Gogh, etc.
Additionally, especially toward the beginning of the volume, many of the illustrations have been hand-painted by the owner. I would say there are three levels of them, perhaps reflecting three different workers. Some are clearly amateur, probably a young person. At times cartoonish Others are reasonably competent, and still others appear to be near-professional.
Again, these are quite aside from the full color lithographs that abound throughout the volume.
The prose contents are great as well. Just a few examples include:
Miss or Mrs.? A Christmas Story, in Twelve Scenes. By Wilkie Collins. Preceding the first separate edition of 1873. Scarce. The 1873 Separate issue first edition sells for $500 - $1000.
The History of Photogen and Nycteris. A Day and Night Mahrchen by George MacDonald. First edition, never contemporarily published as a separate work. Very scarce.
The Life of Her Majesty the Queen by Mrs. Oliphant [excellent hand-painted illustrations]
The Bombardment of Alexandria. Special Issue with Sketches by Our Special Artist, Mr. F. Villiers
Beautiful full color lithographs "On the Moors" after W. Small and "Beauties of the Deep" after Arthur Hopkins
Series of full color lithographs "Tourists in Japan Trying to Climb Mount Fuji"
Full page color lithograph, "New Year's Day in Old New York" by the famous 19th century painter of puritan genre, George Henry Boughton
Double page lithograph, "Christmas Morning at Mother's Bedroom Door" after A. Marie
Full page color lithograph, "Christmas Morning - Decorating the Signboard" after Yeend King
The Romantic Adventures of a Milkmaid by Thomas Hardy [1883]. Preceding the first separate edition later in 1883, which sells for $300 - $500.
Stunning double page color lithograph, "The Veterinary's Shop" after Robert W. Macbeth
Double page lithograph, "The Bibliophile - The History of an (Uncommitted) Crime.
Fantastic double page color lithograph, "Christmas in Canada - Juvenile Skating Ball. After Adrien Marie
A Bit of Human Nature by David Christie Murray [not contemporarily issued separately]
Carriston's Gift by Hugh Conway
The Graphic - Royal Wedding Number [worn and handled]
Full page lithograph, "Christmas in Japan" After Percy MacQuoid
Full Page Lithograph with Fireworks - The Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen
Beautiful double page color lithograph, "A Story of the Sea" after Mrs. Walter
Young Mr. Barter's Repentance by David Christie Murray. Preceding the separate publication in 1889.
Circus Life. Behind the Scenes by J. C. D. [fantastic illustrations]
Mr. Row Bahawdur Ramchunder Gopaldas's Wedding Party. From Sketches by Captain E. R. Penrose, Bombay Staff Corps - Written by Phil Robinson
Etc. etc. etc.
Period half buckram with spine labels, a bit bowed. The pagination is quite erratic, likely lacking some leaves, there are a few pages with damage as well. Good overall.
