1882 Historical Memorials of Westminster Abbey A.P. Stanley King’s College Prize

1882 Historical Memorials of Westminster Abbey A.P. Stanley King’s College Prize


A particularly attractive Victorian copy of Historical Memorials of Westminster Abbey by Arthur Penrhyn Stanley, D.D., late Dean of Westminster.


Fifth Edition with the Author’s Final Revisions, published in London by John Murray, Albemarle Street, 1882 and illustrated throughout.


What makes this example especially interesting is its King’s College London prize provenance. The front pastedown bears the impressive King’s College presentation bookplate, inscribed:


“Presented by the Council of King’s College, London to F. W. Drake as a Prize for General Literature – Michaelmas Term, 1885.”


It also retains a separate “Ex Libris F. W. Drake” bookplate.


Beautifully bound in a rich red/maroon leather binding with extensive gilt decoration to the spine and a gilt King’s College London crest to the front board. The spine is titled “Westminster Abbey – Stanley” in gilt.


The book includes numerous illustrations relating to Westminster Abbey, its architecture, monuments, royal connections and history, and contains a dedication to Queen Victoria.


A very decorative Victorian antiquarian volume with particularly nice academic provenance, making it appealing to collectors of King’s College London memorabilia, Westminster Abbey history, Victorian books and fine bindings.


Condition:

Antique condition with age-related wear. There is rubbing and wear to the leather, particularly around the spine, corners and edges, together with some age toning/spotting to the pages. The prize and ownership bookplates remain present. Please study all photographs carefully as these form an important part of the condition description.


Published: John Murray, London

Date: 1882

Edition: Fifth Edition

Author: Arthur Penrhyn Stanley

Provenance: King’s College London prize awarded to F. W. Drake in 1885


A lovely decorative 144-year-old Victorian book with much more character and interest than an ordinary copy due to its King’s College presentation provenance.