Guy Mannering Walter Scott c1900 Reprint Prize Binding Gilt Illustrated
 
Bibliographic Details
Title: Guy Mannering; or, The Astrologer
Author: Sir Walter Scott, Bart.
Edited by Rev. P. Hately Waddell.
Published by W. P. Nimmo, Hay & Mitchell, Edinburgh.
Printed by Morrison & Gibb Limited, Edinburgh.
Undated, but published circa 1900-1908, with a contemporary 1908 prize presentation bookplate.
Illustrated with a frontispiece, complete with its original tissue guard, together with an illustrated title page by S. Wilson.
 
Historical Context
Originally published in 1815, Guy Mannering was Sir Walter Scott's second novel and firmly established his reputation as the founder of the historical novel. Blending romance, mystery, astrology and Scottish history, the work became one of Scott's most enduring successes and remained in continuous publication for generations.
The substantial critical introduction by Rev. P. Hately Waddell (near the rear of the book) provides valuable literary commentary that reflects the Edwardian appreciation of Scott's work and enhances this attractive edition.
 
About the Author
Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832) transformed nineteenth-century literature through his pioneering historical novels. Works such as Waverley, Rob Roy, Ivanhoe and Guy Mannering influenced generations of writers across Europe and America and remain classics of English literature.
 
About the Illustrators
This edition contains an attractive engraved frontispiece entitled The Encounter, protected by its original tissue guard, together with an illustrated title page depicting The Dominie Immersed, both adding considerable visual appeal to the volume.
 
Binding
An especially handsome Edwardian publisher's binding.
Quarter bound in rich red cloth over blue cloth boards, creating an exceptionally attractive colour contrast. The spine retains bright gilt lettering together with gilt decorative borders and a gilt thistle motif. The volume also benefits from a gilt top edge.
The binding remains robust and remarkably well preserved, displaying only light shelf wear, minor marks, gentle corner bumping, slight edge rubbing and limited fading consistent with age.
 
Interior Condition
The pages remain exceptionally clean for a book of this period.
Paper is only lightly toned with the naturally rough-cut edges typical of quality editions of the era. Only the very occasional small mark or light crease is present, with a tiny edge tear to page 282 and its conjugate leaf, neither affecting text.
Besides the bookplate, there are no ownership inscriptions to the text itself.
The book remains firmly bound, with only light opening at the hinges between the pastedowns and free endpapers.
Both illustrations are present and complete.
 
Provenance
A particularly attractive feature of this copy is the original prize presentation bookplate awarded by Victoria Street Primitive Methodist Sunday School, Grimsby, to Harold Dale for excellent attendance during 1908.
Such contemporary prize awards provide authentic historical provenance and offer an engaging glimpse into early twentieth-century educational and religious life.
 
Physical Details
336 pages.
Frontispiece with tissue guard.
Illustrated title page.
Dimensions approximately 19.4 × 13.3 × 2.5 cm.
Weight approximately 440 g.
 
Rarity & Collector Notes
Although not a first edition, this attractive Edwardian reprint is increasingly sought after because of its handsome publisher's binding, complete illustrations and period provenance.
Decorative Walter Scott editions have become increasingly popular among collectors seeking attractive shelf copies that capture the craftsmanship of late Victorian and Edwardian publishing without the substantial cost of first editions.
Examples retaining bright gilt, complete illustrations and attractive prize presentation history are noticeably less common than ordinary reading copies.
An elegant and highly collectable Edwardian edition of one of Sir Walter Scott's finest novels, combining attractive decorative binding, historical provenance and excellent overall condition, making it a desirable addition to any antiquarian or classic literature collection.