[Binding, Fine- Harcourt Bindery, Exquisite Grolieresque Binding] Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam

Boston: Houghton., Mifflin and Co, The Riverside Press, 1884. First Edition Thus. First Edition Thus. Large Quarto: 11 x 12 3/4 inches. Superbly bound by the Harcourt Bindery in its most accomplished period (ca. 1900) in full brown crushed morocco with a stunning Grolieresque design featuring interwoven geometric strapwork in both inlaid dark brown and burgundy, appearing on both covers. A central monogram of "TWA" appears on both covers, similarly inlaid, likely the initials of the owner who contracted the production of the binding. Spine with five raised bands and small inlaid strapwork design to some of the compartments. The binding also features spectacular, (truncated) wide dentelles with rectangular inlaid border in burgundy to sides enclosing gilt fleuron designs, and square purple inlaid borders at corners enclosing a small gilt design. Gilt-ruled moire silk doublures and endsheets, with gilt borders. AEG, sides of boards with gilt fillet ruling. This is the first trade edition with Elihu Vedder's illustrations, (which followed the elephant folio edition), and contains Vedder's 56 full-page illustrations and calligraphy, all of which have been mounted on larger sheets. An early Harcourt binding, whose original bookbinder, and no doubt one of its best, was Leopold A. Huegle. It is our view that this binding was likely produced by Leopold Hugele. "In turn of the century Boston, the arts of the book enjoyed a certain prominence. This was the heyday of the private press movement, and men like Daniel B. Updike and Frederic W. Goudy were active in typography and book design on the local scene. Associations such as the New England Bookbinders Guild and the Club of Odd Volumes were formed about this time, and interest in books-especially fine books-ran high. Frederick J. Quinby and Harry L. Chatman appeared in the Boston Directory of 1900, doing business as Frederick J. Quinby & Company, "Publishers and Importers, Rare Books and Fine Bindings." -From Harcourt Bindery History, online website. Later in that year another partnership was formed as Huegle, Quinby & Co., bookbinders, at 17 Harcourt Street. The binder was Leopold A. Huegle, whose son, John, was also involved. By the 1902 issue of the directory, Quinbyís advertisement had added the phrase 'Proprietors Harcourt Bindery,' giving the name which is in use today. Near fine with very little signs of wear or use. (Inventory #: 6789)