Romola

London: Merrill and Baker, 1895. First edition. Fine Binding. Near Fine. 8" by 6". Wm Unger; W St John Harper et al. A very scarce, finely bound copy of George Eliot's noted novel 'Romola'. A finely bound copy of this work.Being a first edition thus, the first 'The Gentleman's Library' edition. This copy is one of 26 specially lettered copies. Being copy C created by the publishers especially for one Albert Calman of New York City. This information is printed to the limitation leaf. A printer by the same name was active around this time, and it is possible that this was his copy.  Simultaneously to the lettered copies, there was a small run of 450 numbered copies. Harvard Library's record of their number 93 is where this copy has been dated from. Illustrated, with the frontispiece and fourteen plates. All plates are duplicated in different states. 'Romola' is a novel set in fifteenth century Florence, taking place during historical events during the Italian Renaissance. The novel centers around Romola de' Bardi, the daughter of the blind classical scholar bardo de' Bardi. She herself is immersed in classical studies, and eventually falls in love with Tito Melema. Tito is a handsome young scholar, arriving in Florence after being shipwrecked. He eventually succumbs to ambitions and self-preservation, earning Romola's disdain. This novel was a far cry from George Eliot's other novels, all of which were set in nineteenth century England. Though it is considered to be one of the author's greatest works, it never was her most popular novel. Eliot supposedly spent eighteen months researching and contemplating the novel, including taking several trips to Florence.A finely bound, scarce copy of this canonical novel. In a full crushed morocco binding, with gilt detailing to the boarders and spine. Externally, very smart. Spine has faded, as is common with this work. Several light marks to boards. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright. Offsetting from the pastedowns to the endpapers. Pages are bright with just the occasional light spots to pages. Near Fine