Edward Fitzgerald, translator | The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam..., Bushey, [1911], Sangorski & Sutcliffe original vellum, elaborately gilt with jewelled clasps, signed by Francis Sangorski and George Sutcliffe

Sangorski & Sutcliffe Binding—Edward Fitzgerald, translator

Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam translated into English verse by Edward Fitzgerald with an introduction by A.C. Benson... Reproduced from a manuscript written and illuminated by F. Sangorski & G. Sutcliffe. Bushey, Herts: Engraved & Printed by André & Sleigh Ltd, [1911]

SIGNED BY THE BINDERS ON FRONT FREE ENDPAPER ("F. Sangorski | G. Sutcliffe"), folio (341 x 247 mm), on japan vellum, plates, illustrations, and initials printed in gold and colours, text printed in red and black, original vellum gilt, elaborate peacock design in gilt to upper cover, peacock features, flowers, and clouds all heightened with hand-colouring, lower left-hand corner of upper cover numbered "R[egistered] D[esign] No. 562943", gilt spine with black morocco title label and "SIEGEL, HILL, & CO." lettered in gilt at foot, top edge gilt, others uncut, maroon silk moiré endpapers, inner dentelles, original fretwork clasps, each studded with three amethysts, housed in contemporary fleece-lined cloth green cloth box, some marginal soiling, lower clasp slightly damaged, some wear to cloth case

A HIGHLY ATTRACTIVE DECORATIVE BINDING BY THE LEGENDARY ARTISANS ACCLAIMED AS THE "ROLLS ROYCE OF BOOKBINDING". The present copy appears to be from the deluxe issue of 25 copies on japan vellum, issued by Siegle, Hill & Co. in 1911, though there is no limitation page present. Standard edition copies were issued in a limited edition of 550 numbered copies, but lack several key features found on the present copy, namely: hand-colouring to the upper cover, padded silk endpapers, and decorative clasps.