1833 Hidden Vanishing Fore-Edge Painting - Last Essays of Elia

I am thrilled with this discovery of a hidden fore-edge painting in this copy of The Last Essays of Elia from 1833. Published by Edward Moxon of London. In a full gilt ruled levant Moroccan leather binding, with panelled spine, by Sangorski and Sutcliffe. Under the shiny gilt edges is a superb hidden fore-edge painting of East India House in the City of London. It is very well executed indeed, and in colour. The buildings have depth, there are horses and a carriage, along with busy scurrying people (see photos and video). I also have a video posted on Instagram for you to see in more detail.

East India House was the grand headquarters of the East India Company in the City of London for over 200 years. From this building on Leadenhall Street, the Company managed a private empire that, at its peak, governed much of the Indian sub-continent and commanded an army larger than Britain's own. The painting sums up this era perfectly.

Inside the contents are in excellent condition. Clean and bright with no inscriptions or markings of previous ownership.

Tightly and squarely bound. With some scuffs to the leather on the front, some faint dark handling marks and three very faint indents. The spine has five raised bands. A little scuffing to the leather and some rubbing to the raised bands and spine ends.

Your antique copy of The Last Essays of Elia will be wrapped with care in tissue and ribbon* and sent well packaged with tracking and insurance. I am always happy to include a gift message in the parcel if desired.

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H 18 cm x W 11 cm, 283 pages, 0.4 kg. I dispatch worldwide daily from the UK. (There are just a very few countries which I am unable to ship to).

* If you would prefer your book not to be decoratively wrapped but sent simply in the full protective packaging please add a note to the order.

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