'An Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard' by Thomas Gray
This is, I believe, an early edition hardback copy of 'An Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard' by Thomas Gray with illustrations by G.F. Nicholls. I'm uncertain if a first edition or not. It is published by Adam and Charles Black, London, October The illustrations are quite exquisite, with the 8 pictures from watercolours inside. I don't believe there were supposed to be more but cannot confirm absolutely. From research I believe there were just the 8. This was my Granny's book, given to her by her Dorm Group - Utopia, from Cheltenham Ladies College, dated 23rd February and is handwritten inside front cover. There is a small green label just inside book at bottom which says: 'J.J. Banks & Son, booksellers and stationers, Imperial Library, Cheltenham.' The pages of the book are rough at the edges at the bottom, and almost look gold tipped at the top, but they are supposed to be, from what I can discover looking online. On practically the last page it is printed: 'Designed and Printed W.W. Curtis Ltd, Cheylesmore Press, Coventry. It is light green boards with darker green and blue design of church and trees on the front. The book is absolutely beautiful, obviously a real treasure, and deserves to be bought and cherished by someone who really appreciates it, rather then being stuffed in my attic! Its condition is very good considering its age, and as stated rough cut pages so a little browning present.