Lucile, by Owen Meredith, (RARE, Decorative Binding, Illustrated), 1901 📜🥀✨

1. Introduction 📜🔍🏛️

Immerse yourself in the romantic verse of a 19th-century classic with this rare antique edition of "Lucile" by Owen Meredith (pen name of Edward Robert Bulwer Lytton, 1st Earl of Lytton).

Published by W.B. Conkey Company in Chicago, copyrighted in 1901, this beautifully presented volume captures the essence of romantic poetry and features a decorative binding that is a hallmark of its era.

This book is a premier acquisition for any collector of classic poetry or decorative books.

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2. About the Artwork/Book/Object 📖✍️✨

"Lucile" is a verse novel that tells the story of Lucile de Nevers, an enigmatic and beautiful woman, and her intricate relationship with Lord Alfred Vargrave. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century European high society, the narrative delves into themes of love, loss, redemption, and the search for personal fulfillment. Through passionate poetry and dramatic plot twists, the story follows Lucile and Alfred's journey as they navigate societal expectations and grapple with their own desires, ultimately leading to a resolution.

Its lyrical language and emotional depth contribute to its enduring appeal as a classic of romantic literature. The book is enhanced by illustrations, bringing the story's characters and scenes to life.

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3. About the Artist/Author/Maker ✍️🏛️✨

Owen Meredith, a notable English statesman and poet, achieved literary success with "Lucile", a work that explored themes of love, romance, and philosophical reflection with a lyrical style and emotional intensity, solidifying his place as a significant figure in Victorian poetry.

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4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜

The publication of this book in 1901 places it at the turn of the century, a period when American publishers like W.B. Conkey Company were producing visually appealing editions of classic literature for a broad readership. The book's decorative binding is a prime example of early 20th-century decorative book art, reflecting the aesthetic trends of the time.

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5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️

This 1901 edition of "Lucile" is a core acquisition for a collector building a focused library on Victorian poetry, classic literature, and the history of decorative bindings. It is an ideal acquisition for an individual who appreciates a book's status as a well-preserved artifact that bridges the gap between literature and fine art.

The personal inscription, "Lizzie FFDM W.O." and "12.-vi," adds a layer of personal provenance, hinting at its journey through a previous collection.

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6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️

This 1901 edition of "Lucile" is a genuinely scarce asset.

The book is 124 years old, having survived over a century of history. Its value is overwhelmingly driven by its market scarcity, its historical importance, and its exquisite decorative binding. This is a premium asset for a discerning collector.

The book’s decorative pictorial binding, with its intricate gilt and green stamping, is a beautiful example of early 20th-century decorative book art, making it a highly attractive display piece for any home library. The prior ownership inscription adds a touch of personal provenance, further justifying its premium price. This non-replicable asset holds value that far exceeds a standard reprint.

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7. Condition 🔎📚✨

This book is a used hardcover edition with a decorative pictorial cloth binding.

• Binding: The binding shows visible wear consistent with its age, including rubbing, scuffing, and some loss of the original finish, particularly on the spine and edges. The gilt and colored stamping show some fading but remain largely discernible.

• Pages: The pages are age-toned but remain clear and legible.

• Structural Integrity: The binding is tight and sound, ensuring the book's structural integrity.

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8. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩

• Owen Meredith was the pen name of Edward Robert Bulwer Lytton, an English statesman and poet. He served as Governor-General and Viceroy of India from 1876 to 1880.

• The book's decorative pictorial binding is a beautiful example of early 20th-century decorative book art.

• The prior ownership inscription, "Lizzie FFDM W.O." and "12.-vi," adds a touch of personal provenance, hinting at its journey through a previous collection.

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9. Supporting Information 🏷️📦💰

• Title: Lucile

• Author/Maker: Owen Meredith (Edward Robert Bulwer Lytton)

• Year: 1901

• Publisher/Foundry: W.B. Conkey Company

• Place of Origin: Chicago, USA

• Illustrator: Uncredited (but illustrated)

• Format/Binding: Hardcover with decorative pictorial binding

• Edition: Later Printing

• Rarity: Rare

• Transcription: The handwritten inscription reads: “Lizzie FFDM W.O.” and “12.-vi.”