Lays of Ancient Rome by Thomas Babington Macaulay with Illustrations, Original and From The Antique by George Scharf, Jun, 1847

"Lays of Ancient Rome"by Thomas Babington Macaulay, illustrated with original and antique-inspired drawings by George Scharf, Jun., published in London in 1847 by Longman, Brown, Green, and Longmans. This illustrated collection of narrative poems draws on the legends and heroic traditions of ancient Rome, combining classical subject matter with Victorian literary and artistic craftsmanship.

Octavo (6.25" x 8.25"). 210 pages. Handsomely bound in a signed Bumpus binding by Bumpus Ltd., Oxford, in full red straight-grain morocco with double gilt rules framing the boards. The spine features five gilt-decorated raised bands, gilt lettering in the second and third compartments, and gilt framing throughout; “1847” is stamped in gilt at the foot. All edges are gilt.

The binding shows light edgewear, lightly bumped and rubbed corners, and slight rubbing to the joints near the head and foot. There are small scuffs to the rear board and a penciled bookseller’s note at the head of the verso of the first free flyleaf. Illustrated throughout with line drawings by George Scharf, Jun.

A beautifully bound Victorian edition, appealing to collectors of classical literature, Roman legends, illustrated poetry, and fine nineteenth-century bookbinding.