Margaret Elizabeth LINDSAY (author) , Alice Frances Lindsay (illustrator) & Mary Susan Felicie LINDSAY ('our special printer' [i.e. calligrapher?] and occasional contributor).
Original illustrated manuscript 'Dark Baron Rolf. or a romance of the Middle Ages by Margaret E. Lindsay with illustrations by Alice F. Lindsay accompanied by songs and chants composed for the occasion by our special printer Mary S.F. Lindsay respectfully dedicated to the Lady Lindsay' [Great Britain:] 1866. Quarto (10 x 7 1/2in; 254 x 190mm.), 56 pages: a clear semi-italic manuscript hand thoughout, dedication in red ink 'To our darling Mother on her birthday, from her loving children ... New Year's Eve 1866' [1st page, unnumbered, verso blank, 2nd page, unnumbered], title page in black ink [p.'1'., as above, p.'2'., verso blank], 1p. illustrated secondary title with original watercolor 'portrait' of the Lady Madeline de Varre [the heroine of the tale, p.'3'], text in black with some initials and ruled borders in red, and 15 integral original watercolor illustrations [pp.'4'-'54']. (Very occaional corrections, two pencilled marginal notes).
Fine red morocco gilt bound for Lady Lindsay, signed on front pastedown 'C.E. Clifford 30 Piccadilly' (probably acting as a 'middleman', rather than as binder), covers elaborately panelled in gilt (with a single fillet in black incorporated into the design), the upper cover central coroneted 'M[argaret].L.[indsay]' monogram, with the title lettered in gilt 'Dark Baron Rolf' towards the upper margin, spine in five compartments with semi-raised bands, repeat decoration in gilt composed from gilt fillets and small tools, gilt-turn-ins, cream/brown watered silk doublures and pastedowns, gilt edges (light scuffing to extremities).
A cross between 'Ivanhoe' and 'The Young Vistors' with the merest hint of 'Northanger Abbey'. The Lindsay 'girls' were clearly a fan of Sir Walter Scott, and to some degree the teenage earnestness (and unintentional humor) of the language foreshadows the later and younger Daisy Ashford.
The project was evidently the brainchild of three of the seven children of Margaret, the Lady Lindsay (1824-1909), later the Countess of Crawford and Belcarres, and her husband, Alexander W. Crawford, 25th Earl of Crawford, 8th Earl or Balcarrres and 33rd Lord Lindsay of Crawford.
A beautiful birthday present, with the story by Margaret Elizabeth Lindsay (1850-1912, m. 1870 L.A. Majendie of Castle Hedingham); the illustrations by Alice Frances Lindsay (1849-1915, m. 1873 Col. G.B.Archer-Houblon); and the occaional verses (and possibly the calligraphy) by Mary Susan Felicie Lindsay (1852-1937, m. 1878 Hon.G.L. Wood [assumed the surname Meynell]).
- Binding Condition: excellent
- Overall Condition: excellent
- Sold By: Shadowrock Rare Books
- Contact Person: Adam Langlands
- Country: United States
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