SYLVIE AND BRUNO [and] SYLVIE AND BRUNO CONCLUDED; [the two novels constituting the last book published during his lifetime; with scarce broadside “ADVERTISEMENT” laid in to second volume].
London: Macmillan and Co., 1889 and 1893. First edition of each book. With illustrations by Harry Furniss. An unnamed narrator bridges the world of Victorian-era England and the fantasy realm of “Outland” and “Fairyland,” home of the sibling sprites Sylvie and Bruno. Considered an early example of time travel fiction due to Carroll’s use of an “Outlandish Watch” that can turn back time as a plot device. Both volumes bound in 8vo gilt-stamped red cloth boards with triple-ruled encircled illustrations of Sylvie on front and Bruno on back of first volume, and of the Professor on front and the Chancellor on back of the second; new off-white endpapers in first volume and black-coated ones (as called for) in the second; both volumes all edges gilt; 400 pages plus 3 pp. ads for Carroll’s works; and 423 pages plus 4 pp. ads for Carroll’s works and specimen page for “Alice’s Adventures Under Ground.” SYLVIE AND BRUNO: Professionally recased and resewn with fresh spine bands and endpapers added; altogether about very good with covers somewhat soiled, spine a bit dulled, and title page mildly toned. SLYVIE AND BRUNO CONCLUDED: Bright and near fine with touch of minor soiling to covers, rub to front illustration, front endpaper just starting to crack at hinge though still quite tight, and title page just mildly toned. This copy with the scarce broadside ADVERTISEMENT dated “Christmas, 1893” laid in requesting the return of copies “of the last issue of ‘Through the Looking-Glass,’ consisting of the Sixtieth Thousand” due to poorly printed illustrations. HOUSED TOGETHER in single slipcase with double, rounded, gilt-stamped red-leather “spines,” red cloth sides, and separate red-cloth covered chemises with ribbon pull tabs for each (touch of light soiling and few scratches and scuffs). [Williams, Maden, Green 217, 249 (advertisement), and 250].
Item #72782
Price: $1,500.00