The Art of Worldly Wisdom (Bayntun-Riviere fine binding)

"To the most wonderful woman in the world - one who has acted as an inspiration for much that has made the life of the donor of this little gift more worth while."

1930 Golden Treasury Series, reprinted from the 1892 first edition. 16mo (6.25 x 4.25 inches), 197pp. Signed fine binding by Bayntun-Riviere, with all the luxurious trimmings: Both covers feature a gilt Art Nouveau motif on crushed blue morocco with single gilt rule; 6 spine compartments with oxblood leather spine label, all stamped in gilt. Richly colored, hand printed endpapers framed with gilt dentelles; all edges gilt (need we even mention?) A Very Good copy that presents as Near Fine—stress to the joints the and subtle hairline cracks at the spine and upper edge of the cover, the slightest band of sunning. Joints have neat recent coloring and conditioning, now fitted in an archival mylar jacket. Warm gift inscription, contents otherwise Fine and unmarked. A very handsome copy of a particularly desirable design produced in the early period after the George Bayntun and Robert Riviere firms merged as the Bayntun-Rivière Bindery.