FERGUSON, Samuel. The Cromlech on Howth. A Poem WITH DRAWINGS BY MARGARET STOKES

With illuminations from the Book of Kells & of Durrow, and drawings from nature by MS [Margaret Stokes]. With notes on Celtic ornamental art, revised by George Petrie. London: Day & Son, 1861. Folio. Bound in full cloth gilt by Day & Son with their ticket on the front pastedown (green rectangular engraved label: Bound by / Day & Son / Lithographers to the Queen / & H.R.H.P. of Wales / 4 Gate Street, Lincoln's Inn). The covers blocked in gilt and blind with a border of solid and broken fillets, a geometrical pattern of triangles and a medallion in the corners, enclosing an inner panel with Celtic interlacing knotwork. Smooth spine with title in gilt; yellow endbands. All edges gilt. A fine copy in velvet-lined clamshell box.

Sir Samuel Ferguson, poet and antiquary, was born in Belfast in 1810. Educated at T.C.D. and called to the Bar in 1838, he obtained some practice on the north-east circuit. In 1867 he was appointed deputy-keeper of the Public Records of Ireland. He thoroughly reorganised the department and for this was knighted. A great lover of Ireland, he wrote numerous poems and historical papers of great merit.

A magnificent publication with the title printed in red and black and fine colour reproductions from the great masterpieces of Celtic art, along with seven coloured plates (with usual light foxing) of the scenic beauty around Howth: The Cromlech; The Cliff; The Cairn; The Isthmus; Scene of the Battle of Clontarf; The Rath at Garva, and Aideen's Dell.

A splendid example of the Celtic revival style.