Woodstock by Sir Walter Scott c1887–1890 Rosslyn Edition White and Allen – Antiquarian Leather Book
 
WOODSTOCK – The Rosslyn Edition (c.1887 – 1890)
Rare White And Allen US Edition
 
Overview
 
A beautifully preserved Rosslyn Edition of Woodstock by Sir Walter Scott, published by White & Allen between 1887 and 1890. This antiquarian volume forms part of The Waverley Novels series and showcases the elegant late-Victorian binding style typical of the set: quarter leather, decorative mottled paper boards, top edge gilt, and patterned endpapers and pastedowns.
 
Woodstock, originally published in 1826, is one of Scott’s major historical novels, set in the turbulent aftermath of the English Civil War. This edition presents the text in a compact yet refined 19th-century format.
 
Bibliographic Details
 
Title: Woodstock; or, The Cavalier
Author: Sir Walter Scott
Edition: The Rosslyn Edition, The Waverley Novels
Publisher: White and Allen, New York
Printer: Neill & Company, Edinburgh
Publication Date: c.1887 – 1890 (undated; dating based on known imprint period)
Format: Quarter-bound leather with mottled paper boards
Pagination: 484 pages
Top Edge: Gilt
Endpapers: Patterned
Dimensions: Approx. 17.2 cm × 11.3 cm × 2.3 cm
Weight: Approx. 333 g
 
Dating Notes
 
White & Allen operated under that exact name only between 1887 and 1890, providing a clear date range for this edition. The construction, paper quality, and binding characteristics are consistent with other verified Rosslyn Edition volumes.
 
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 (as shown in the photograph). The spine retains its panelled structure with gilt lettering, though the leather has naturally softened and darkened with age.
 
Additional exterior notes:
 
Wear to the leather and paper along the spine ends and board edges.
Small split near the bottom of the spine, plus small rips at the top and bottom.
Light scratches, rub marks, and patches of fading to the boards.
Mottled paper remains well-preserved and attractive.
Structurally solid and sound.
 
Interior Condition
 
Pages are lightly tanned with occasional mild foxing on the pages and edges, consistent with age.
Text remains clean, clear, and uncreased throughout.
Rough-cut edges typical of 19th-century construction.
Small rips at edges of a few pages, including a larger one at the outer edge of p.305–306 (not affecting text).
Small hole in the centre of pages 217–218 (photographed).
Slight rubbing on the inner edge of page 484 (not affecting text).
Very small rips to the inner edge of the pastedowns at top and bottom.
No writing, inscriptions, or annotations.
All 484 pages present, tightly bound, with no loose pages.
 
About the Author
 
Sir Walter Scott (1771–1832) was one of the most influential literary figures of the 19th century. His pioneering work in historical fiction helped shape the genre, blending romance, history, folklore, and meticulous research. Scott’s novels, including Ivanhoe, Waverley, Rob Roy, and Woodstock, remain enduring classics.
 
Historical Note: The Rosslyn Edition
 
The Rosslyn Edition of The Waverley Novels was produced in the late 19th century for the American market. Known for its high-quality leather spines, decorative paper boards, and gilt edges, it represents a refined collectible series that combines durability, beauty, and readability. Each volume varies slightly due to hand-applied binding methods and differing printers.