Antique collectible- Tennyson’s The May Queen. In Illuminated Borders designed by L. Summerbell. London: Frederick Warne & Co.; New York: Scribner, Welford & Armstrong, c.1870
A lush Victorian gift‑book rendering of Tennyson’s The May Queen, every leaf surrounded by jewel‑toned chromolithographed borders of blossoms, ivy, & ferns designed by L. Summerbell & printed by George Berridge & Co.
In the original deep green cloth gilt from Frederick Warne & Co., the cover wreathed in flowers & foliage that echo the poem’s springtime pageantry. Very much my kind of book 😍
Tight, complete, with only the expected gentle toning & an early 1920 ownership inscription, it’s a wonderfully displayable piece for any shelf devoted to Victorian illustration, poetry, or botanical design. Or a beautiful gift to yourself or someone you adore!
