Eric Chaim Kline, Bookseller

Enoch Arden [WITH A STRIKING FORE-EDGE PAINTING BY MARTIN FROST] [SIGNED BY THE ARTIST]

Tennyson, Alfred (Narrative poem by); Martin Frost (Fore-edge painting by)

London: Strahan and Co., 1869. Reprint. Hardcover. 12mo (6 1/2 x 4"). [6], 178pp. Contemporary full red morocco stamped in gilt and black on covers and spine, and gold lettering on spine. Raised bands. Dentelles. Marbled endpapers. Stricking fore-edge painting by Martin Frost depicting Buckingham Palace. The painting can be seen only when the leaves of the book are fanned. The painting disappears when the book is relaxed. Tipped-in partly printed and handwritten note at rear indicates: Hidden under the gilt edge of this book you can find a fore-edge painting by Martin Frost (printed): Enoch Arden 1869, Buckingham House, followed by Martin Frost's signature, and the year MCMXCVII (1997) (handwritten).

Fore-edge painter Martin Frost has been working from studios in West Sussex, England for over 40 years. He has painted the edges of well over 3500 books including examples of the scarce all-edge, split and two-way doubles and now binds many of his books too. He has written a workshop manual, published articles and lectured to many major organizations interested in the art and craft of the Book.

Originally published in 1864, this work is a reprint of the first edition, without any change in the text. "Enoch Arden"'s story was provided to Lord Alfred Tennyson by Thomas Woolner, an English sculptor and poet who was one of the founding members of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. The poem lent its name to a principle in law that after being missing a certain number of years (typically seven), a person could be declared dead for purposes of remarriage and inheritance.

Some rubbing along joints, and minor and sporadic dark spots to covers. Previous owner's Ex-Libris on inside of front cover (Walter E. Davis). Binding in overall good+, interior in very good condition. g+ to vg. Item #45721

Price: $650.00