Traditions of Edinburgh -
Robert Chambers
1980 - W &, London
A finely bound presentation of this entertaining and large work by brothers Robert and William Chambers, first published in 1824, and printed here in the last revised text of 1868 together with the original drawings of James Riddel and the Notes prepared by Chambers’ grandson for the 1912 edition.
Dedicated to the Old Houses, the Characters, and the Traditions of Edinburgh. Robert Chambers FRSE FGS (10 July 1802 – 17 March 1871) was a Scottish publisher, geologist, evolutionary thinker, author and journal editor who, like his elder brother and business partner William Chambers, was highly influential in mid-19th century scientific and political circles.
Robert, at 16 years old, began his own business as a bookstall-keeper on Leith Walk. At first, his entire stock consisted of some old books belonging to his father, amounting to thirteen feet of shelf space and worth no more than a few pounds. By the end of the first year the value of his stock went up to twelve pounds, and modest success came gradually. While Robert built up a business, his brother William expanded his own by purchasing a home-made printing press and publishing pamphlets as well as creating his own type. Soon afterwards, Robert and William decided to join forces, with Robert writing and William printing. Their first joint venture was a magazine series called The Kaleidoscope, or Edinburgh Literary Amusement, sold for threepence. It was followed by Illustrations of the Author of Waverley (1822), which offered sketches of individuals believed to have been the inspirations for some of the characters in Walter Scott's works of fiction. The last book to be printed on William's old press was Traditions of Edinburgh, derived from Robert's enthusiastic interest in the history and antiquities of Edinburgh. He followed this with Walks in Edinburgh, and these books gained him the approval and personal friendship of Walter Scott. After Scott's death, Robert paid tribute to him by writing a Life of Sir Walter Scott. Robert also wrote a History of the Rebellions in Scotland from 1638 to 1745 and numerous other works on Scotland and Scottish traditions. The most important works for which the brothers publishing company, W. & R. Chambers, were responsible include Chambers's Encyclopaedia, Biographical Dictionary of Eminent Scotsmen, Cyclopædia of English Literature, Life and Works of Robert Burns, Ancient Sea Margins, Domestic Annals of Scotland and the Book of Days.
Large octavo (binding size 23.6x16.3cm), pp. xviii [5] 377 [1]. Bound in quarter green crushed morocco over light brown marbled boards, spine with gilt rule, motifs, and twin red and black morocco labels lettered in gilt, matching marbled endpapers, all edges trimmed. Condition: Fine in fine binding. Ref: 112247 Price: HK$ 2,000
Dedicated to the Old Houses, the Characters, and the Traditions of Edinburgh. Robert Chambers FRSE FGS (10 July 1802 – 17 March 1871) was a Scottish publisher, geologist, evolutionary thinker, author and journal editor who, like his elder brother and business partner William Chambers, was highly influential in mid-19th century scientific and political circles.
Robert, at 16 years old, began his own business as a bookstall-keeper on Leith Walk. At first, his entire stock consisted of some old books belonging to his father, amounting to thirteen feet of shelf space and worth no more than a few pounds. By the end of the first year the value of his stock went up to twelve pounds, and modest success came gradually. While Robert built up a business, his brother William expanded his own by purchasing a home-made printing press and publishing pamphlets as well as creating his own type. Soon afterwards, Robert and William decided to join forces, with Robert writing and William printing. Their first joint venture was a magazine series called The Kaleidoscope, or Edinburgh Literary Amusement, sold for threepence. It was followed by Illustrations of the Author of Waverley (1822), which offered sketches of individuals believed to have been the inspirations for some of the characters in Walter Scott's works of fiction. The last book to be printed on William's old press was Traditions of Edinburgh, derived from Robert's enthusiastic interest in the history and antiquities of Edinburgh. He followed this with Walks in Edinburgh, and these books gained him the approval and personal friendship of Walter Scott. After Scott's death, Robert paid tribute to him by writing a Life of Sir Walter Scott. Robert also wrote a History of the Rebellions in Scotland from 1638 to 1745 and numerous other works on Scotland and Scottish traditions. The most important works for which the brothers publishing company, W. & R. Chambers, were responsible include Chambers's Encyclopaedia, Biographical Dictionary of Eminent Scotsmen, Cyclopædia of English Literature, Life and Works of Robert Burns, Ancient Sea Margins, Domestic Annals of Scotland and the Book of Days.
Large octavo (binding size 23.6x16.3cm), pp. xviii [5] 377 [1]. Bound in quarter green crushed morocco over light brown marbled boards, spine with gilt rule, motifs, and twin red and black morocco labels lettered in gilt, matching marbled endpapers, all edges trimmed. Condition: Fine in fine binding. Ref: 112247 Price: HK$ 2,000