Ballads, Romantic, Fantastical and Humorous by William Harrison Ainsworth – Circa 1870s – Illustrated by Sir John Gilbert – Antiquarian Hardback Book – Eight Full-Page Plates – George Routledge & Sons
 
A rare and visually striking edition of Ballads, Romantic, Fantastical and Humorous by the celebrated historical novelist William Harrison Ainsworth, published by George Routledge & Sons, The Broadway, Ludgate Hill, London, and printed by Savill, Edwards & Co., Chandos Street, Covent Garden. This edition, produced between 1872 and 1878, is identifiable by the publisher’s address, the inclusion of the New York branch, and the fact that John Gilbert is here styled “Sir” – a title granted in 1872.
 
To this edition is added The Combat of the Thirty, a stirring medieval narrative taken from Froissart, providing a “new chapter” to his famous chronicle.
The book is sumptuously bound in deep blue cloth with elaborate gilt and black decorative embossing to the front board and spine, and black decorations on the rear boards. The Victorian artistry of the cover reflects the richness of its contents, a collection of romantic, fantastical, and humorous ballads from one of the most popular novelists of the 19th century.
 
Illustrations
 
Lavishly illustrated by Sir John Gilbert (1817–1897), a master draughtsman and wood engraver celebrated for his work in The Illustrated London News. Gilbert was knighted in 1872 in recognition of his artistic contributions.

This volume contains 8 full-page black-and-white plates, including the frontispiece, all present and intact.
 
Condition
 
Boards: Bright and richly decorated; light rubbing to edges, corners, and spine ends; minor marks.
Spine: Gilt still present and clear; light edge wear.
Binding: Slight gutter cracks in a handful of places; all pages secure.
Pages: Rust-red endpapers; occasional light foxing or minor marks/small stains; occasional small edge tears (one slightly larger tear to page 265 not affecting text); occasional light creasing. Slight rubbing on the inner margin of the title page.
No inscriptions, annotations, or bookplates.
All preliminary pages, 326 text pages, plus 2 pages of adverts present.
 
Measurements
 
Approx. 16.9 × 11 × 2.8 cm; weight ~374g.
 
About the Author
 
William Harrison Ainsworth (1805–1882) was an English historical novelist best known for works such as The Lancashire Witches and Rookwood. A close friend of Charles Dickens, Ainsworth was a key figure in Victorian popular literature, blending history, romance, and adventure in his novels.