Types From Spanish Story or The Old Manners and Customs of Castile by James Mew with Thirty-Six Proof Etchings, 1884 | First Edition

"Types from Spanish Story; or, The Old Manners and Customs of Castile, with Thirty-Six Proof Etchings by James Mew, illustrated by R. de los Rios, published in New York by R. Worthington in 1884. This first edition draws inspiration from Castilian literature and traditions, exploring themes such as friendship, chivalry, ambition, faith, virtue, and deception. It features 36 detailed proof etchings by Ricardo de los Rios, depicting Spanish characters and scenes, with a tipped-in tissue plate accompanying each chapter.

Quarto (7.25" x 10.25"). 80 pages. Bound in full brown decorated cloth, with elaborate black, red, and gilt floral decoration to both boards and the spine, gilt spine lettering, gilt top edge, and floral printed endpapers. The title page and chapter-heading pages are printed in red and black, with decorative headers and footers. All 36 tissue plates are present, although some have become detached from their original tipped-in positions and are now laid in.

The binding shows edgewear, bumped and rubbed corners exposing the boards, and chipped spine ends with loss. Both joints and hinges are starting, and the text block is shaken. The gutter at the final leaf is split, with mesh visible, though the covers remain firmly attached.

An appealing illustrated Victorian work combining Spanish cultural themes, moral storytelling, and finely detailed etchings. Of interest to collectors of Spanish literature, nineteenth-century illustrated books, and antique prints.