A CATALOGUE OF A PORTION OF THE LIBRARY of Charles Isaac Elton and Mary Augusta Elton. [The compilation "Assisted and advised by Alfred W. Pollard."].
London: Quaritch, 1891. First edition. 8vo. (4), 222 pp. Illustrated from bindings, plates, chapter head and tail-pieces, historiated initial letters. Inscribed on the front endpaper "Elizabeth Gordon / from the compilers. / M. A. E. / C. I. E. / 13th Ap. 99." Charles Elton (1839-1900), a lawyer (Queen's Counsel) and antiquary, and his wife Mary Augusta Elton, whom he married in 1863, published the popular title "The Great Book-Collectors" in 1893; Elton, a member of the Selden Society, possessed a large library which "contained many rare books, as well as fine specimens of sixteenth to eighteenth century binding … he was an enthusiastic collector and a good judge of all articles of vertu" (DNB, 1901 supplement). The recipient may be Elizabeth Anna Gordon (1851-1925) who visited Japan in the early 1890s, published an account of her visit, part of a world tour with her husband, joined the newly formed British Japan Society in England upon her return, and amassed a large collection of books which she donated to various Japanese institutions. Old tideline on several plates and pages at the rear, one intruding into the image; otherwise very good. Original black pebbled cloth (some wear to spine joints, with one rather crude repair), gilt spine title. (10621). Item #64210
Price: $200.00