Austin Dobson's "The Ballad of Beau Brocade" (1892, 3rd Ed.) - Hugh Thomson Illustrations

Published by London: Kegan Paul, Trench, Trübner & Co., 1892

Part of Kegan Paul's series designed to rival Macmillan's popular 'Cranford' series, this book embodies the period's appreciation for finely crafted literature and art.

Henry Austin Dobson (1840-1921) possessed "immense knowledge of eighteenth-century literature and art", writing a wide variety of essays and biographies on some of the greatest writers of that period, as well as publishing many collections of verses in imitation of its styles. "Nobody could read the best of his verses - and at least fifty pieces were of his best - without delight in the witty invention, the ease of movement, and the exquisite finish in the style of Restoration poetry that had his verses likened to 'Dresden china'" (ODNB). Octavo. Original green cloth, spine and front cover lettered in gilt and decorated from a design by Hugh Thomson, green endpapers, edges gilt. With 50 illustrations from line drawings by Hugh Thomson. A very good copy.