Rare Book by Charles Dyall ‘A Fair Apparition and Other Rhymes and Sketches 1877 Hand Written Message by Author - First Edition

An exceptionally scarce first edition of A Fair Apparition; or, A Night with the Muses and Other Sketches in Rhyme & Prose by Charles Dyall, published in Liverpool by Gilbert G. Walmsley, 50 Lord Street, in 1877. The work is recorded as the first edition of this title and comprises viii, 128 pages.

What makes this copy particularly desirable is the handwritten presentation inscription by the author, dated 1895, reading:

“To Robert Porter, Esquire… in appreciation of his great gifts in the arts of painting, poetry & music, from his friend and admirer Charles Dyall.”

A wonderful association copy linking the author to the recipient and adding significant historical interest.

The original publisher’s brown cloth binding is decorated in gilt and black, with gilt lettering to the front board and spine. The book retains an attractive Victorian appearance despite its age.

Condition:

* Original 1877 cloth binding.
* Author’s presentation inscription dated 1895.
* Front and spine remain bright with age-related wear and rubbing to corners and edges.
* Internal pages are heavily affected by historic damp staining and foxing, particularly to the front and rear leaves.
* Some splitting to the internal hinges.
* Pages remain generally legible throughout despite the staining.
* A good, honest copy of a genuinely scarce Victorian publication.

Ideal for collectors of Victorian poetry, Liverpool history, presentation copies, and rare 19th-century literature.