Guy Mannering by Walter Scott c1887 Rosslyn Edition White And Allen
 
GUY MANNERING – THE ROSSLYN EDITION
c1887–1890 | White And Allen, New York | Antiquarian Leather-and-Paper Binding
 
Overview
 
This is a charming late nineteenth-century Rosslyn Edition of Guy Mannering by Sir Walter Scott, published by White And Allen between 1887 and 1890. Elegantly bound in quarter leather with mottled paper boards, gilt top edge, and patterned endpapers, this volume brings a highly collectible presentation to one of Scott’s most enduring Waverley Novels. The story, first published in 1815, blends adventure, intrigue, and Scottish regional history, making it one of Scott’s most popular early works.
This example is structurally sound, visually appealing, and typical of the high-quality bindings commissioned by White And Allen during their short period of operation under this imprint.
 
Bibliographic Details
 
Title: Guy Mannering
Author: Sir Walter Scott (1771–1832)
Edition: The Rosslyn Edition, Waverley Novels series
Publisher: White And Allen, New York, USA
Printer: R. Symon, Printers, Edinburgh
Publication Date: c.1887–1890
Format: Quarter-bound leather and mottled paper boards
Pages: 418
Dimensions: approx. 17.2 × 11.3 × 2.1 cm
Weight: approx. 302 g
 
Dating Notes
 
This volume carries no printed date, which is typical for the Rosslyn Edition. However, White And Allen only operated under this exact name between 1887 and 1890, making the publication window firmly within these years. The physical style, paper quality, and binding materials are fully consistent with other known Rosslyn Edition examples.
 
Exterior Condition
 
The binding is exceptionally attractive, featuring leather to the spine and the inner board edges, with a richly mottled yellow-and-brown paper over the boards. The spine retains its panelled structure with gilt lettering, though the leather has gently faded with age.
 
Additional notes:
Rubbing to the leather at the spine ends and board edges.
Very small marks/light scratches/fading on the spine.
Gentle lean to the spine.
Boards remain firmly attached and the structure is robust.
 
Overall, this is a well-preserved example of a White And Allen Rosslyn binding.
 
Interior Condition
 
Pages lightly tanned throughout, consistent with age.
Small patch of rubbing on front pastedown.
Predominantly clean and uncreased, with only tiny folds on a small number of pages.
Occasional small, faint foxing spots, not affecting legibility.
Small patch of rubbing to the front pastedown (as shown in photos).
Roughly cut page edges typical of hand-severed leaves; tiny edge nicks in a few places where pages were originally uncut.
Small hole through the centre of pages 401–402 (photographed), but surrounding text remains readable.
Binding remains strong with no loose or missing pages.
No writing, underlining, or inscriptions.
 
All 418 pages are present.
 
About the Author
 
Sir Walter Scott (1771–1832) was a Scottish poet, historian, and novelist, and a defining figure in the development of the historical novel. His Waverley Novels were international bestsellers and shaped the world’s view of Scotland’s past.
 
Historical Note: The Rosslyn Edition
 
The Rosslyn Edition of the Waverley Novels was produced in attractive quarter-leather bindings by White And Allen during their brief period of operation in the late 1880s. These editions are admired today for their aesthetic bindings, gilt top edges, high-quality paper, and distinctive patterned endpapers.
 
Because of the publisher’s short life and limited print runs, surviving Rosslyn Edition volumes are desirable to collectors of Victorian-era Scott, American-issued editions, and decorative bindings.