Joy of Tyrol c1915 J M Blake Illustrated 111 Plates Inscribed
 
Title & Bibliographic Details
 
Joy of Tyrol: A Human Revelation
Edited by J. M. Blake
With 111 original illustrations drawn by The Lady
Published by Stanley Paul & Co., 1 Clifford’s Inn, London
Printed by Hazell, Watson & Viney Ltd., London and Aylesbury
Undated. Circa 1915 (pre-1917, supported by contemporary inscription).
Likely first edition.
278 pages + 2 pages publisher’s catalogue at rear.
 
Historical & Bibliographic Context
 
Joy of Tyrol is an Edwardian travel and cultural study celebrating the Alpine landscapes, traditions, architecture, and rural life of the Austrian Tyrol. Issued during the years surrounding the First World War, the work reflects a nostalgic and romantic British view of continental Europe just as political realities were reshaping it.
 
Richly illustrated with 111 original drawings, the book combines travel narrative, cultural observation, and artistic appreciation. Innsbruck, Kastelruth, mountain life, churches, costume, and Alpine customs are brought vividly to life.
 
Books of this nature became especially poignant during wartime, preserving an image of a peaceful and picturesque Europe.
 
About the Editor
 
J. M. Blake was an early 20th-century editor and travel writer associated with illustrated cultural studies of European regions. Works such as this reflect Edwardian interest in ethnography, regional identity, and picturesque travel literature.
 
About the Illustrator
 
The volume contains 111 original illustrations drawn by “The Lady.” Though published anonymously in this form, the illustrations are executed in a delicate early 20th-century line style typical of Edwardian travel art.
 
Their abundance and integration throughout the text significantly enhance the book’s decorative and collector appeal.
 
Binding & Exterior Description
 
Bound in original blue cloth over boards and spine.
Front board features:
Black stylised lettering
Black and cream pictorial illustration
Spine with gilt lettering.
The binding remains intact and structurally robust.
 
Cosmetic wear includes:
Discolouration to the spine cloth
Soft bumping to corners
Rubbing at edges
Small patches of fading and light marks to boards
Small crease to the front board
 
Despite wear, the volume retains attractive shelf presence.
 
No dust jacket.
 
Interior Condition
 
Foxing to pastedowns and endpapers.
Pages are bright for their age with only very light tanning.
Edges are roughly cut, typical of the period.
Occasional very light foxing within, not affecting text.
Very occasional small marks, again not affecting text.
Predominantly uncreased, with only very occasional small creases.
 
There is a contemporary pen inscription to the front free endpaper:
"To Feridah from Dad & Mother. Xmas 1917."
 
All pages are secure.
Light cracks in the gutter between the pastedowns and free endpapers and between a handful of further pages.
 
All 278 pages plus 2 pages of publisher’s catalogue are present and accounted for.
 
Physical Details
 
Approx. 21 x 14.7 x 3.5 cm
Weight: approx. 794 grams
Substantial and well-produced Edwardian illustrated volume.
 
Rarity & Collector Notes
 
Early illustrated Tyrol travel books with this quantity of original drawings are increasingly scarce in complete form.
Desirable features include:
111 original illustrations
Intact original pictorial cloth binding
Pre-1917 issue
First World War era context
Personal 1917 gift inscription
An attractive and substantial Edwardian travel volume appealing to collectors of Alpine literature, illustrated books, and pre-war European travel writing.
 
Provenance
 
Gift inscription dated Xmas 1917:
“To Feridah from Dad & Mother.”
A charming contemporary personal provenance from the First World War period.