The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe of York, Mariner
By Daniel Defoe
Circa 1875–1909 / Illustrated Antiquarian Hardback Edition / Published by Gall & Inglis, London
This handsome late Victorian edition of Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe is complete and beautifully preserved in its original pictorial cloth binding. With an ornate and vibrant design, this antiquarian treasure is a fine example of Gall & Inglis's decorative publishing style at the height of the 19th century.
Features include:
A striking gilt and colour-stamped binding on blue cloth, with yellows, reds, greens, and oranges accenting the front board and spine
Gilt patterning and black emblem to rear board
A beautiful frontispiece and three further full-page illustrations, facing pages 24, 202, and 442: all present and accounted for
559 pages, complete and tightly bound, plus original yellow endpapers
Publisher’s History:
Published by Gall & Inglis at their London address of 25 Paternoster Square, in use from 1875 to 1909, firmly dating this edition to that period. The Edinburgh-based firm, founded in 1810 by James Gall and later managed by his son-in-law Robert Inglis, became known for publishing religious works, poetry, and youth literature in decorative formats. Their London office at this address was active until their move in 1909.
Condition:
This copy is in very good condition for its age, between 116 and 150 years old. The decorative binding remains bright and robust, with only minor marks, edge wear, and gentle bumping to the corners. The spine shows some rubbing and wear to the top.
Internally, the pages are:
Lightly tanned, as expected
Generally clean and uncreased
With some light foxing and a few very small edge tears that do not affect text
A few uncut pages remain at the fore-edge, typical of 19th-century book construction, a charming reminder of its original hand-finished nature
There is a neat ink inscription on the front free endpaper, but no other writing. The binding is sound and secure with no loose or missing pages.
Dimensions:
Approximately 20.1 cm tall × 14.2 cm wide × 4 cm deep
Weight: Approx. 638 grams
This is a wonderful, illustrated example of Defoe’s enduring classic, a valuable addition to any antiquarian collection.