ETRUSCAN ROMAN REMAINS IN POPULAR TRADITION

London: T. Fisher Unwin, 1892. Publisher’s Large Paper “Fine Edition”, limited to 100 numbered copies on hand-made paper SIGNED AND WITH AN ORIGINAL ILLUSTRATION BY THE AUTHOR. Extensively illustrated from drawings and engravings with many full-page and partial page plates, including the original drawing for this special issue. 4to, publisher’s original russet cloth, beautifully illustrated and lettered in colours in Etruscan fashion on both covers the spine also heavily decorated in black, lettered in red, t.e.g. viii, 384. A nice copy in the publisher’s handsome binding, mildly age mellowed and with all the colouring on the binding in good order but for the mellowing, shaken a bit at the front inner hinge. The original drawing is in excellent order as are the other plates. SCARCE AND IMPORTANT ISSUE OF THE FIRST EDITION. Although he participated in a varied and impressive number of careers, Leland is best remembered as a serious student of folk lore. His writings on the subject are, according to Britannica, “recognized as valuable contributions to the literature of the subject.” He also served as President for the first European Folk-Lore Congress held in Paris, 1889. It was while living and studying in Italy that this work was published, and the work concentrates primarily on the probable Etruscan influence on Bolognese tradition and art.
A very beautifully produced book, it is a fine example of the care and attention publishers of this age used when producing these special limited editions. This title is exquisitely illustrated from drawings by the author and this limited, signed edition also happens to include one of Leland’s original drawings tipped into the front.