Brave Men’s Footsteps | 1873 Second Edition | Fine Prize Binding | Illustrated

A handsome Victorian prize binding presented by East Devon County School, Sampford Peverell, awarded as an Examination Prize in Christmas 1874. Published just one year earlier, this Second Edition (1873) is an attractive example of a finely produced nineteenth-century educational prize book.

Bound in rich navy full leather over boards, the volume features an elaborately gilt-decorated spine with a crimson morocco title label, decorative gilt borders, and the school’s gilt armorial crest prominently stamped to the front board. Enhanced by beautiful marbled endpapers, marbled text block edges, and fine gilt dentelle tooling framing the inner boards.

Containing 333 pages, the work presents inspiring biographies and anecdotes intended to encourage character, perseverance, leadership, and integrity. Subjects include notable figures such as Josiah Wedgwood, Thomas Cochrane, English merchants, philanthropists, military leaders, and other influential historical personalities. Illustrated throughout with full-page engravings by C. A. Doyle, including scenes of military history and Victorian life.

A striking decorative binding equally suited to collectors of Victorian prize books, fine bindings, English school presentation books, and nineteenth-century history.

Condition: Very Good +. Binding remains tight with bright gilt decoration. Interior pages are clean. An excellent, well-preserved Victorian presentation copy.

Size: 4 1/2” x 7 1/4”

An elegant Victorian prize binding that combines fine decorative craftsmanship with inspirational biographies of remarkable nineteenth-century figures—an attractive addition to any antiquarian library or collection of historic English bindings.