THE SKETCH BOOK

1868. IRVING, Washington. [As Geoffrey Crayon]. SKETCH BOOK OF GEOFFREY CRAYON, GENT..Illustrated With One Hundred And Twenty Engravings On Wood, From Original Designs. NY: G.P. Putnam & Sons, 1868. Small quarto: black full-morocco leather, extensively stamped in gilt around the borders of the front & rear covers and on the spine; all edges gilt; gilt-tooled inner dentelles; marbled endpapers; 504 pages. Artist's Edition (so noted on the title page). A handsome and sumptuous volume and also a gift from the publisher. Signed presentation from George Palmer Putnam, the publisher, on a front blank page: "Madame Bossange, With G. P. Putnam's best regards. N. York, Apl. 14, 1869. Specimen of our printing & engraving." Madame Bossange may have been the wife of Paris-based publisher Gustave Bossange. Putnam published many books by classic American authors, including those of his friend Washington Irving. He was one of the leading publishers of art books in his day- of which this is an excellent example. A very lovely book, which is obviously why he presented it to Madame Bossange. A nice association copy from a publisher proudly promoting his publications. Near fine condition. Truly a beautiful book! $1,500.00.