A. E. Johnson; Illustrations by Rene Bull - The Russian Ballet - 1913

1913 **first edition** in a contemporary deluxe leather binding by Hatchards, 187 Piccadilly — a named period binding, not a modern rebind.
Cloth-bound copies are the norm. A contemporary Hatchards deluxe binding of this quality is uncommon and materially elevates the book’s desirability.

"The original tissue guards are intact and in excellent condition, ensuring the illustrated plates remain well-preserved and vivid."

Elegantly bound in full leather with a raised (ribbed) spine, gilt titling and ornate tooling to the compartments. The binding is further enhanced with gilt turn-ins and all edges gilt, the pages shimmering with a rich gold band when closed. A notably superior issue to the standard cloth binding, offering both aesthetic appeal and collectable distinction.

**Condition:**
Externally very attractive for its age, showing only typical edge and corner wear consistent with careful handling over more than a century. The binding remains solid and secure, with minor splitting at joints as can reasonably be expected in a 100+ year-old volume. Internally, there is light to moderate foxing and age toning throughout. All plates are complete and retain their original tissue guards, which show some edge wear and small losses at the extremities. One small old pen/pencil mark is present internally (see photos).

Overall, a sound and highly presentable copy — a handsome early 20th-century illustrated ballet book, made considerably more desirable by its deluxe Hatchards binding, fully gilt edges, and first edition status.

**Shipping:** I will ship within the European Union only.