Walter Scott. Lay of the Last Minstrel. 1854

This cover design, though not signed, is attributed to John Leighton. It is full of mediaeval symbolism so beloved of the mid-Victorian period. This copy has the same design as the British Library copy (shelf mark 11642e27), and a full description is in the Library's database of Bookbindings at:

 http://www.bl.uk/catalogues/bookbindings/

This copy has the spine; the BL copy lacks the spine. This copy formerly belonged to Robin de Beaumont, whose book plate is on the upper pastedown. This copy is inscribed on the upper pastedown:
1. "Mary Ogle/ from her Husband./ Jany 23rd 1854./"
2. For Edmund/ from the rest of the King/ Family on his 25th wedding/ anniversary/ 1999/"

The text is sewn on three tapes. Gilt edges/. bevelled boards. Red morocco horizontal-grain cloth.