A Kentucky Cardinal and Aftermath
- London: Macmillan, 1901
London: Macmillan, 1901. First edition, second impression. A nearly Fine second impression with Hugh Thomson illustrations (published one month after the first impression). Octavo (7 x 4 5/8 inches; 178 x 117 mm.). xxxii, 286 pp. Forty-eight full-page illustrations and numerous drawings within the text. Some occasional light foxing, otherwise fine. Bound by Kelliegram ca. 1901 (stamp-signed 'Kelliegram Binding London' in gilt on rear turn-in). Full dark green morocco… with a double gilt border enclosing a varicolored morocco pictorial onlay reproducing part of the Hugh Thomson illustration on page 40: "Certain ladies who bow sweetly to me." Spine with five raised bands, decoratively tooled in a floral design and lettered in gilt in compartments, gilt board edges and turn-ins, red silk liners and endleaves, all edges gilt.
A Kentucky Cardinal, and Aftermath is an antebellum romance spread over two novels written by James Lane Allen (1895–96). The books recount the story of the nature-loving naturalist Adam Moss who falls for Georgianna, a high society girl. The first book follows their courtship and the second their marriage. Allen’s richly descriptive text is certainly influence by his youth spent in Kentucky. Here the book is brought to life through illustration and design.The artist, Hugh Thomson (1860-1920), was most famous for his illustrations of Austen’s work, as well as the work of Charles Dickens. Known for his attention to detail, he would often spend a great deal of time in museums researching the lifestyles and dress of the characters he was depicting.
With its amazing whimsical design, this copy is a prime example of a Kelliegram binding. Known for their highly detailed pictorial inlaid color leather bindings, the London-based firm Kelly and Sons was one of the longest running in the trade. Started in 1770 by John Kellie, various family members continued the business into the early twentieth century. Charming, beautiful, and occasionally whimsical, the inlaid designs were often inspired by in-text illustrations.
A Kentucky Cardinal, and Aftermath is an antebellum romance spread over two novels written by James Lane Allen (1895–96). The books recount the story of the nature-loving naturalist Adam Moss who falls for Georgianna, a high society girl. The first book follows their courtship and the second their marriage. Allen’s richly descriptive text is certainly influence by his youth spent in Kentucky. Here the book is brought to life through illustration and design.The artist, Hugh Thomson (1860-1920), was most famous for his illustrations of Austen’s work, as well as the work of Charles Dickens. Known for his attention to detail, he would often spend a great deal of time in museums researching the lifestyles and dress of the characters he was depicting.
With its amazing whimsical design, this copy is a prime example of a Kelliegram binding. Known for their highly detailed pictorial inlaid color leather bindings, the London-based firm Kelly and Sons was one of the longest running in the trade. Started in 1770 by John Kellie, various family members continued the business into the early twentieth century. Charming, beautiful, and occasionally whimsical, the inlaid designs were often inspired by in-text illustrations.