The Life and Surprising Adventures of Robinson Crusoe – Daniel Defoe – 1890 | Major’s Edition, Leather Binding, Gilt Edges
Major’s edition of Robinson Crusoe in full leather with gold-stamped spine and boards, gilt edges, and marbled endpapers. Illustrated by George Cruikshank. Printed by Chatto & Windus in 1890, preserved in Fine condition.
The Life and Surprising Adventures of Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe appears here in an 1890 edition from Chatto & Windus. This is the Major’s edition, known for its deluxe presentation. The standout feature is its binding, which was created with care and precision. Full leather covers, gold decoration on spine and boards, and shimmering page edges all signal a high-end Victorian production.
This book was produced during a time when publishers competed to issue the most eye-catching editions. This example belongs to that tradition, using strong materials and decorative flair. The spine compartments are sharply gilt, and the marbled endpapers were chosen to reflect a certain kind of polish. Readers and collectors who prize appearance as much as content will likely appreciate this object.
Bibliographic Details
- Title: The Life and Surprising Adventures of Robinson Crusoe
- Author(s): Daniel Defoe
- Illustrator(s): George Cruikshank
- Publisher: London: Chatto & Windus
- Edition: Major’s edition, 1890
- Format: Octavo, single volume
- Binding: Full calf leather, gilt spine and cover borders, gilt edges, marbled endpapers
- Size: 7 in × 5 in (17.5 cm × 12.5 cm)
- Collation: xii, 563, [1] pp
- Illustrations: 37 in-text engravings
- Contents Include:
- Complete text of Robinson Crusoe
- Illustrations by George Cruikshank
- Introductory material included with the Major’s series
- Provenance: Handwritten prize inscription to Chrissie Cowper
Condition:
Fine. Bound in full leather with bright gilt decoration on spine and cover borders. All page edges are gilt. The binding is tight, and hinges are sound. Marbled endpapers are clean and intact. Minor rubbing at tips and front board, with no cracks or repairs. Internally fresh and complete, with pages clean and evenly toned. Engravings are clear and unmarked.
Why Collect This?
- Beautiful binding, exquisite display
- Full leather with elaborate gilt and marbled papers
- Illustrations of George Cruikshank
- Carefully maintained, showing minimal signs of wear
- Ideal for collectors of nineteenth-century gift and presentation bindings
Item Number: #28792
Categories
Children's
Literature
European History
Voyages & Exploration & Maps
Authors
Daniel Defoe
Printing Date
19th Century
Language
English
Binding
Leather
Book Condition
Fine
Collation
Complete