The Stones of Venice.
With illustrations drawn by the author. Seventeenth thousand in small form.
London: George Allen, 1905 Stock Code: 136701
A handsomely bound copy. One of the key texts of the aesthetic movements, The Stones of Venice was first published from 1851 to 1853 and was "a revolutionary success" (PMM). Its importance lies "in its celebration of the Byzantine and the Gothic, which had an immediate effect on Victorian architects, who began to introduce Romanesque forms and Venetian and Veronese colour and sculptural features into their designs" (ODNB). In the most famous chapter, "The nature of Gothic", which was twice reprinted in his lifetime (first for the inauguration of the London Working Men's College in 1854, and second by William Morris in 1892), "Ruskin argued that under conditions of industrialization and the division of labour, social disharmony and industrial unrest were bound to occur, because the previously expressive craftsman - Ruskin's ideal working man - had been reduced to the condition of a machine" (ibid.).
Description
3 volumes, octavo (188 x 123 mm). Contemporary red morocco for Hatchards, spine lettered in gilt, gilt turn-ins, marbled endpapers, top edges gilt.
Illustrations
With 53 plates after illustrations by the author.
Condition
Spines lightly sunned, vol. II with slight scratch to front cover and short split at foot of rear joint. A near-fine copy.
DELIVERY
With the exception of framed items*, Peter Harrington offers free delivery on all UK orders of rare books, maps and prints placed through this website. Delivery to USA and the rest of the world is similarly free for orders over £200.
ABOUT US
Established in 1969, Peter Harrington is one of the leading rare book firms in the world. It is a proud member of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association – along with ILAB, the PBFA and Lapada – and from shops in Mayfair and Chelsea, London, sells rare books, prints and ephemera to customers across the world.
Email: mail@peterharrington.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)20 7591 0220
