Poems by Christina Rossetti — Illustrated by Florence Harrison (1910), First American Edition)

Publisher: Dana Estes & Co., Boston, 1910
Printed in Scotland
Illustrated by: Florence Harrison
Introduction by: Alice Meynell

An exceptional and highly sought-after first edition of Poems by Christina Rossetti, magnificently illustrated by Florence Harrison in the Art Nouveau and Pre-Raphaelite style. This large, deluxe volume features 36 tipped-in color plates, each bordered and beautifully printed on thick stock paper, along with exquisite black-and-white decorative borders and vignettes throughout.

Bound in publisher’s dark teal cloth, richly stamped in gilt with an ethereal angelic figure and ornate floral designs to the upper cover and spine. Top edges gilt. Binding tight and square.  Gilt design and spine lettering bright & vivid. Pages clean and free from foxing. All tipped-in color plates present and in beautiful condition without creasing.

Harrison’s luminous illustrations perfectly capture the spiritual and romantic essence of Rossetti’s poetry — from the haunting imagery of Goblin Market to tender meditations on love and devotion. This collaboration between poet and artist remains a cornerstone of early 20th-century book art.

A volume of rare beauty and craftsmanship — among the most celebrated illustrated editions of the period.

Additional Info:

The British first edition was published in 1910 by Blackie & Son Ltd., London.
    •    The American first edition was published the same year (1910) by Dana Estes & Co., Boston, using the same plates and illustrations licensed from Blackie.
    •    Both are considered first editions, as they were printed simultaneously, not sequentially.
    •    The Dana Estes imprint identifies the U.S. issue; the Blackie imprint identifies the U.K. issue.

Condition: Very Good ++

Size: 10.25” x 8” x 2” 

A truly deluxe first edition — one of the most desirable illustrated works of the Edwardian era, uniting two of the great female voices of poetry and art.