STERRY, Wasey. Annals of the King’s College of Our Lady of Eton beside Windsor.

London: Methuen & Co, 1898. First edition. pp. xvi, 362. Royal 8vo. Illustrated with plates and plans, including a folding view of Eton. Bound by Spottiswoode & Co., London, in full rich navy blue crushed morocco, covers framed by a gilt panel with fleurons at corners, upper cover richly gilt with the crowned Tudor rose medallion incorporating the monogram E C H R (Eton College – Henricus Rex). Spine divided into six compartments by raised bands, elaborately tooled in gilt, title in second, date at foot. Board edges and turn-ins gilt; all edges gilt; black endpapers.

A sumptuous binding, executed by the renowned London bindery of Spottiswoode & Co., with the upper cover bearing the Eton College crest device. This work, written by Wasey Sterry, sometime scholar of the college, gives a chronological record of the great public school founded in 1440 by Henry VI, tracing its history, buildings, masters, scholars, and the distinguished roll of Old Etonians who shaped English political, cultural and social life.

Copies in such presentation-style bindings are rarely encountered, and this is an especially handsome example, preserved in fine condition with only the faintest spotting to prelims.

Likely a presentation or prize binding commissioned by Eton College, binding gilt-signed at the turn-in: Spottiswoode & Co., London.

[L3 5F]