A charming manuscript commonplace book, filled with copied poetry, prose and notes by the owner, her family and friends. Grace Maxwell Aiken was born in Bristol, England in 1833. She was gifted this book at 15, and used it until she was a married woman of around 20 years old. The book contains over 200 pages of handwritten pieces in different hands, chosen and copied by the author and her loved ones, making it a fascinating indication of a Victorian family's personal taste.
In good condition with both hinges cracked, wear to the outer hinges and spine ends, with some leather missing from the head and tail. The corners are a little rubbed, and some pages are a little foxed though it is mostly very clean inside. Bound in black lineated leather with gilt borders and spine rules, dark green endpapers, and fully gilt page edges. 20 x 16 cm.
