I’m very excited to offer this first edition 3 volume book set bound in full forest green morocco leather by the prestigious Bayntun Riviere Binding Firm of Bath, England! It is A Laodicean; or, The Castle of the De Stancys by Thomas Hardy London, Sampson, Low, Marston, Searle & Irvington 1881 (FIRST EDITION). If you are familiar with this firm you already know what I’m talking about but if you aren’t I have included an in-depth biography at the end of the description. The finishing styles used by Bayntun Riviere are quite unique and extensive. Finishing is a term used to describe the lettering, tooling and any other decoration of a book. A feature of Bayntun Riviere bindery is the unique collection of finishing tools. Many tools follow the designs of important binders of earlier centuries. There are numerous design/styles offered and this book has the most extensive and most expensive spine with gold gilt centre tools, tooled bands, two line raised panels, gilt centres and panels, and contrasting leather panels all in full gold gilt. The cover has a gold gilt two line panel with floral gilt motifs at each corner (back and front). The end papers are marbleized which is hand done making each sheet a unique one of a kind. The interior outer edge of each end paper is elaborately ornate with tooled gold gilt scrolls with all edges gilt. Bayntun Riviere uses only the finest materials; premium grade morocco leathers, 23ct gold leaf and hand-marbled papers. This fabulous story is about the daughter of a wealthy railway magnate, Paula Power, who inherits ancient Stancy Castle. She commissions George Somerset, a young architect, to undertake the work, but is then torn between George's admiration and that of Captain De Stancy, whose old-world romanticism contrasts with Somerset's forward-looking attitude. The books are in fine condition. The binding is superb with some minute scuffing (very minute). The text block is also superb. If you are collector I need to say no more and if you aren’t you will soon be after you see this elegant and sophisticated set! The following is a brief biography on George Bayntun. Bayntun was born in Bath on 4th August 1873. He started his own bookbinding business in Northumberland Place in 1894, having served an apprenticeship to the Taylor family on Trim Street. He was soon able to move to a larger building in Walcot Street. Initially he bound books and magazines only for private and trade customers, but soon realized it was more profitable to buy and sell, after binding or restoring. The business flourished and he established a reputation for good work at low prices. The bindery attracted customers from overseas, particularly the US. Each Spring, the principal American buyers would call upon him, to place orders for the Christmas trade. Then, as now, all binding was done by hand to the highest standards of craftsmanship. George Bayntun declared "We work in the old way. Machine binding? Ah yes...but not for us". He was keen to expand the business, taking over several smaller binderies on the retirement of their owners, but his biggest acquisition was in 1939. He purchased the famous Riviere Bindery, founded in Bath in 1829, acquiring their unique collection of finishing tools and equipment, which remains unparalleled today. In 1939 the business moved to our current premises in Manvers Street, taking over a former postal sorting office.George Bayntun's final years were crowned by the frequent and knowledgeable patronage of Queen Mary, who spent the war years at Badminton, near Bath. In 1950, she granted the firm the appointment of Bookseller to Her Majesty. George Bayntun died in 1940 at the age of 67, having built a unique and world famous business. Wilmarth Lewis wrote during the war nearly half the premises were commandeered by the Admiralty and most of the staff joined the services. The firm limped on unhappily with a series of managers. George Bayntun's daughter, Constance Bayntun-Coward came in at the age of thirty-eight, taking on the accounts and general supervision. To her, the credit is due for retaining the firm in the family's hands. Her son, Hylton Bayntun-Coward joined in 1953. The following year he took over the management, regained many of the former employees and gradually restored the firm to a good standard of craftsmanship, stock and profitability. He was President of the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association 1980-82 and again 1992-93. He was appointed High Sheriff of the County of Avon 1993-94. Today, the firm is owned by the great-grandson of George Bayntun, Edward Bayntun-Coward and is the last of the great Victorian binderies still run by the founder's family. Striving For ExcellenceIt isn’t brilliance or just getting the breaks,It is consistent attention to & honest respect for the Customer. Blue Dolphin Antiques |
