First edition. A roseate anthology of botanical poetry collected by the Scottish illustrator Eleanor Vere Boyle, published under her initials E. V. B. Boyle held a lifelong fascination with gardening, with much of her artistic work revolving around the magic of nature. She was greatly admired by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, and by Tennyson who applauded her as the ‘charming and gifted lady’ responsible for his May Queen illustrations. This copy was once part of the library at Monte Rosa cottage, built and owned by celebrated architect, John Morgan.
Light abrasions to upper board faces and spine, corners rubbed with small chip to upper corner on front board, very light sparse foxing, bookplate of John Morgan, ‘Ruskinian’ master builder of Aberdeen affixed to the front pastedown. Generally very good. Contains multiple engravings by Boyle. Half contemporary leather with ditsy botanical paper boards in an appropriate blue rose print. Gilt titles to the spine between raised bands. Title page printed in red. Top edge gilt. Pp. [2], xxvi, 274, [4]. 18 x 11 cm.
