Ruskin, John. UNTO THIS LAST. London: George Allen & Sons, (1909). A superb Art Nouveau binding with a strong Arts and Crafts influence, with a tantalizing link to John Ruskin. This slim 16mo of 199 pages is bound in full calf of deepest burgundy with a cover design in gilt of a stylized trellis with six repeating squares containing a single blossom and foliage, repeated on the spine. All edges gilt. This superb little volume contains some of Ruskin's most penetrating essays on the nature of Man, originally published in the Cornhill Magazine. Affixed to the front pastedown is a presentation notice explaining that John Ruskin had revived "..an Old-World ceremony (at Whiteland's College) of The Crowning of the Queen of the May and dignified the occasion by presenting a beautifully wrought gold cross, to be worn by the Queen. He also gave many purple calf-bound volumes of his work to be distributed to her subjects. Since his death, the quaint old ceremony has been kept up, by a few of those who knew and loved him, in the spirit in which it was instituted, and in honour of his name." The May Day ceremony remains the most important event of the year at Whitelands. This book was presented to Daisy Cooke, Queen of the May, 1912. Ruskin ws one of the most important Friends of the College, donating hundreds of books and pictures to the institution. He persuaded Edward Burne-Jones to design windows for the College chapel and William Morris to make them. Aside fom a trace of wear to the spine extremities, this is a very fine copy indeed of a very special edition. Ruskin died in 1900 and although there is no binder's mark, we believe this copy was specially bound in deepest purple to carry on the tradition of the May Queen. Price: USD 300.00 other currencies   order no. 884    inquire

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offered by: Green Gate Farm Antiquarian Books 16236 Highway 13 Richmond, MO 64085-8894 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA P: Larisa A. Cassell Tel. (816) 776-6735 E-mail:  Literature, Art & Philosophy of the Arts & Crafts Movement in America & Britain. Strong Emphasis on the Cotswold District & the Glasgow School: Ruskin, Morris, Mackintosh, Stickley, Hubbard, et al. Appraisals and Collection Services in all areas. # Catalogues issued occasionally * By appointment only CONDITIONS OF SALE We accept MasterCard, Visa and Bank Drafts in US dollars. No packing fees, post charged at actual cost. Deferred payment for institutions. Books are returnable if not as described, with prior notice and payment of return shipping. The item must be carefully packaged, properly insured and received in the same condition as it was sold. The title of any item sold does not transfer until the balance due has been paid in full.    search our database...