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1878 First Edition – Picturesque Ireland
A Literary and Artistic Delineation of the Natural Scenery, Remarkable Places, Historical Antiquities, Public Buildings, Ancient Abbeys, Towers, Castles, and Other Romantic and Attractive Features of Ireland
Edited by John Savage, LL.D.
New York: Published by Thomas Kelly, 17 Barclay Street, 1878.
This is the original 1878 first edition of this classic large illustrated survey of Ireland. It features extensive text covering Irish scenery, history, antiquities, castles, abbeys, and more, accompanied by numerous steel-engraved plates, wood engravings throughout the text by eminent native and foreign artists, and color maps (including county maps).
Binding: Attractive original publisher’s decorative dark leather (morocco-style) binding with elaborate gilt and blind-stamped ornamental designs, including the title “Picturesque Ireland” in gilt on the front cover and a central Irish harp motif within an ornate panel. Marbled endpapers. Gilt edges. Thick, heavy quarto volume.
Condition: Good overall for a book of this age and size. The binding shows expected wear: scuffing, rubbing, and edge/corner wear (especially along the edges and spine ends), with some surface loss to the leather and gilt in places. The covers remain solid and the decorative stamping is still clear and impressive. Interior pages appear clean and bright from the examined sections, with the engravings sharp. There is a period ownership inscription (“John Hargut 1874”) on the title page. No major tears or missing pages noted in the visible portions. Please review the photos carefully for exact condition details—this is a solid, display-worthy example of a desirable Victorian illustrated Ireland book.
A handsome and substantial volume that makes a strong decorative piece as well as a collectible reference on 19th-century Irish topography and scenery.
Keywords: Ireland, Irish history, travel, scenery, castles, antiquities, Victorian, illustrated, steel engravings, color maps, leather bound, first edition, John Savage, Thomas Kelly.
