Veilleuses: A Definitive Review of Ceramic Food and Tea Warmers, 1750-1860

New York: Cornwall Books, 1988. Hardcover. VG/G+ (books shows minimal signs of wear, all pages clear and intact - dust jacket shows wear at edges with a few small tears mended by scotched tape, still protective). Black paper boards with gold gilt lettering on spine, black and color illustrated dust jacket with red and white lettering, 174 pp., bw illustrations. "This remarkable and comprehensive study by a leading collector of veilleuses is the result of the thirty years' research and extensive travels. The word veilleuse derives from the French veiller, 'to keep a night vigil.' It originally referred to any night lamps, but soon came to be applied to warmers for food and drink intended for bedside use. Although conceived for a utilitarian purpose, the decorative modeling and coloring soon established these pieces as attractive and prized ornaments ... In this unique book Harold Newman has gathered together examples of all types of veilleuses, from those made of the finest decorated porcelain to others made of faience, creamware, and glazed pottery - even two of English silverware. The many different styles of design and decoration are fully described, including polychrome enameling, gilding, ornate openwork, low-relief applied figures, and lithophane plaques." - dust jacket description.