Thistledown Robert Ford 1901 Scotch Humour Scottish Folklore Early Edition Gilt Crest
 
Author: Robert Ford
Edition: Early Edition (first published 1891; this copy 1901, predating the 1913 enlarged edition)
Publisher: Alexander Gardner, Publisher to Her Late Majesty Queen Victoria, Paisley and 26 Paternoster Square, London, 1901
 
Binding and Physical Features
 
Bound in original grained red cloth over boards and spine.
Decorated with a gilt crest of arms on the front board and gilt lettering on the spine.
The cloth is intact and robust; light age wear includes soft bumping, mild surface marks, and faint discolouration.
A solid and presentable example for its age.
Dimensions: 19.7 × 13.2 × 2.3 cm
Weight: 481 g
 
Interior Condition
 
Dark endpapers and pastedowns, consistent with the publisher’s binding style.
Pages show toning with age, but remain overall clean, neat, and predominantly uncreased.
A handful of leaves show small stains to the lower margin, not affecting text.
Minimal small edge rips to a few pages from use, none obscuring content.
No ownership inscriptions, pen, or pencil inside.
All 402 pages plus x preliminary pages are present and securely bound.
 
Literary and Historical Context
 
Robert Ford (1846–1905), Scottish journalist, poet, and folklorist, was celebrated for preserving the wit, humour, and traditions of Scottish popular culture. Thistledown brings together an entertaining mix of folk tales, anecdotes, proverbs, and humorous sketches, serving as a vivid portrait of Scotland’s oral tradition.
The book was first published in 1891 by Alexander Gardner of Paisley, who was known for producing fine works of Scottish literature and theology. Your 1901 edition represents an early printing, issued before the 1913 “new and enlarged” edition with illustrations, making it an appealing collectible in its own right.
 
Rarity
 
This 1901 copy remains a desirable volume for collectors of Scottish literature, folklore, and cultural history. Its strong condition, gilt-decorated binding, and status as an early edition add to its charm and value.