This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/12/2021
Beautiful set of three fore-edge paintings contained within ''The Constitutional History of England'' by Henry Hallam in three separate volumes, with volume I featuring a portrait of Julius Caesar with a scene of charioteers; volume II a portrait of Henry VIII with a view of London; and volume III a portrait of Queen Victoria set against the Crystal Palace. London: John Murray, 1867 eighth edition. Concealed by gilt, fore-edge paintings are revealed when pages are fanned, a technique invented by the bookbinder for King Charles II, who reportedly grew tired of his books not being returned to his library, and sought a way to secretly identify them in his friends' collections. Three volume set bound in scarlet red morocco, each with the seal of The Law Society of the United Kingdom on front board. With gilt embellishments and ribbed spine, each volume measures 5.75'' x 8.5''. Some shelf wear, more so to volume I, with private library plates in each volume. Overall in very good to very good plus condition.