A Legend of Montrose and The Black Dwarf Sir Walter Scott c1887 White And Allen
 
Rare Rosslyn Edition, c.1887–1890 – Published White & Allen, New York
Antiquarian Quarter-Leather Binding with Mottled Boards
 
Overview
 
This is a charming Rosslyn Edition of A Legend of Montrose and The Black Dwarf by Sir Walter Scott, produced between 1887 and 1890 by White & Allen of New York. Exquisitely presented in quarter leather with richly mottled paper boards, gilt top edge, and patterned endpapers, this volume contains two classic works from Scott’s celebrated Waverley Novels series.
 
The book is at least 134 years old, shows gentle age-appropriate wear, and contains many unopened (uncut) pages, strongly suggesting it was never fully read. A beautiful and historically authentic example of 19th-century American-issued Scott editions.
 
Bibliographic Details
 
Title: A Legend of Montrose & The Black Dwarf
Author: Sir Walter Scott
Series: The Waverley Novels – Rosslyn Edition
Publisher: White and Allen, New York, USA
Printer: M’Farlane & Erskine, Edinburgh
Publication Date: c.1887–1890 (undated, but fully verifiable by publisher imprint)
Format: Quarter-leather over mottled paper boards
Pages: 356
Dimensions: approx. 17.2 × 11.3 × 1.8 cm
Weight: approx. 262g
 
Dating Notes
 
White & Allen were only active under that exact imprint between 1887 and 1890, providing a precise publication window for this Rosslyn Edition volume.
 
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 photographs).
 
The spine retains its panelled structure with gilt lettering, now softened and naturally darkened with age. There is rubbing to the leather along the joints and extremities, along with faint scratches and age fading. The paper-covered boards show patches of rubbing at the edges but remain clean, bright, and decorative.
 
A very sound, robust antiquarian copy with shelf appeal typical of Scott’s 19th-century editions.
 
Additional Notes – Exterior
 
No dust jacket issued
Top edge gilt remains bright
Boards firmly attached
Fading/light/rubbing scratches on the spine
Corner and wear and gentle surface rubbing only
 
Interior Condition
 
The pages are lightly but evenly tanned, consistent with age. The text remains crisp and uncreased throughout.
 
There is:
Only very occasional light foxing
A small stain on the back free endpaper
No writing or pencil marks anywhere in the book
No loose or missing pages
Edges slightly rough-cut, typical of 19th-century bookbinding
 
A particularly notable feature is the large number of unopened (uncut) pages. These page edges were never separated with a paper knife, indicating the book may not have been fully read. They have been left untouched for the sake of authenticity but can be cleanly opened if the future owner wishes.
 
A neat, tight, and historically interesting interior.
 
About The Author
 
Sir Walter Scott (1771–1832) is one of the most influential literary figures of the 19th century and a pioneer of the historical novel. His works shaped modern storytelling and remain central to Scottish literary heritage. A Legend of Montrose (1819) and The Black Dwarf (1816) reflect his fascination with Scottish history, folklore, and national identity.
 
Historical Note: The Rosslyn Edition
 
The Rosslyn Edition of the Waverley Novels was produced for the American market in the late 1880s by White & Allen. These editions are prized for their beautiful bindings, decorative patterned endpapers, and gilt top edge.
They represent an elegant, collectible series that reflects the late-Victorian resurgence of interest in Scott’s works.