London: Field and Tuer, The Leadenhall Press, 1888. First edition. Hardcover. Very Good. Contemporary vertical fore-edge painting depicting two rural scenes; one of a cow sitting under a tree and the other of a boy holding a pole and a toy sailboat. The images were painted by William Luker and each image is signed "W.L. Jr." Quarto volume - xix, 287 pages, lxiv subscribers list, 7 ads. Luker also illustrated this lovely volume with over 300 images, some in full color. Both fore-edge images are referenced from internal illustrations - page 60 showing the boy and page 166 shows the resting cows. Also contains three maps. After page xliv, at the bottom of an ad for this book, is found - "For the curious, a few PROOF copies of KENSINGTON: PICTURESQUE and HISTORICAL, at five guineas, bound in full morocco, have painted in water-colours on the front, under the gilt edges of the leaves, a couple of Kensington views, which, until the leaves are bent back, are invisible." This is the only book title known with a fore-edge painting by William Luker.

Price: $2,500.00