Fine Books & Manuscripts

[BINDING]. GARDINER, Marguerite (“Countess of Blessington”) (1789–1849), editor. Heath’s Book of Beauty. London: Longman, Brown, Green and, Longmans, 1844–49. 6 volumes, 8vo. Title vignettes, 72 steel–engraved plates including frontispieces with tissue guards. Later half navy morocco over pebbled boards, raised bands with gilt fillet, compartments extra gilt with profuse scrollwork and tools, all edges gilt (faint rubbing at ends). FIRST EDITIONS of this 19th century serialized title that featured numerous engraving from various artists depicting high society women accompanied with short stories by several authors.