Idylls of the King by Tennyson, Illustrations by Gustave Dore, 2 Volumes, 1902

Idylls of the King by Lord Alfred Tennyson, 2 Volumes

Illustrations by Gustave Dore

G.P. Putnam’s and Sons, 1902

Binding Design by Margaret Armstrong

This is a beautiful two volume edition of “Idylls of the King” that was published by G.P. Putnams’s & Sons, New York and London with the printing by the Knickerbocker Press. Although not stated, research indicates that the books were published in 1902. They feature a binding design by Margaret Armstrong and 30 tissue protected photogravure illustrations and frontispiece by Gustave Dore from the Moxon folio edition of 1836. Volume I: Enid/Vivien (170 pages), Volume II: Elaine/Guinevere (132 pages).

Each book measures 7.5" x 5.5" and is bound in elaborate gilt decorated dark blue cloth boards. The covers and title pages are beautiful Art Nouveau designs signed with the initials MA (Margaret Armstrong). The top page ends are gilted with the other page edges being uncut.

Both volumes are in very nice clean condition with just a touch of light shelf wear, clean and bright interiors, with tissue protected illustrations by Gustave Dore. Overall, these are beautiful books that combine the considerable talents of Lord Alfred Tennyson, Gustave Dore, and Margaret Armstrong to the wonderful tales of medevial times.

Several photographs of the book as well as examples of Gustave Dore’s illustrations in the books appear below. Although the thumbnails may appear digitized, you can click your mouse on the thumbnail to view the picture in the photo viewer.