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Ingoldsby Legends. (1 vol. 4to. Richard Bentley.)
A work illustrated by Cruikshank, Leech, and Tenniel, even if it had no intrinsic merits of its own, would stand a very fair chance of immortality; but when the three great artists combine simply to embellish what would otherwise live as long as the English language, as long as humour and pathos, exquisite versification, and singular felicity as well as facility of rhyme, are appreciated, it seems superfluous to do more than inform the public what a prize is within their reach. And, if this be not enough, there is more to be said in favour of the noble specimen of bibliopolic art which we have been permitted to admire in deshabille—that is to say, ere it has assumed the full-dress binding in which it will make its appearance before those who will be the ultimate arbiters of its fate. It is printed upon the most delicately-tinted paper, and its type is of the most pleasing character: it is, in fact, a gem of elegance. The present edition outshines former editions as undeniably as the bride, magnificent in wedding-dress and fresh from the breeze of mountain or sea, surpasses in loveliness the jaded belle of a protracted season. The pallid, wan, and roughened complexion is exchanged for a sweetly-coloured and satin-like surface. Of the sixty illustrations with which the book is adorned by far the greater number are entirely new. Subjoined the reader will find a specimen of each famous draughtsman’s style.
Sources
- For the illustrations:
- Dalziel, Edward and George. The brothers Dalziel. London: Methuen and co., 1901
- Ingoldsby, Thomas (Richard Harris Barham)The Ingoldsby legends. London: Richard Bentley, 1837-1845 (?)
- Ingoldsby, Thomas The Ingoldsby legends. Philadelphia: Porter and Coates, n.d. [1881?].
- For the text:
- The illustrated London News vol. 43 (July to December 1863). London: George C. Leighton.