These books are a two volume edition of Virgil’s works, specifically the “Bucolica, Georgica, et Aeneis” published in Edinburgh in 1765 by G. Hamilton and J. Balfour. They are beautifully bound in red gilt-tooled morocco with armorial stamps, & the provenance indicates an association with the Duke of Grafton was a previous owner of the book with his arms stamped on the covers, his signature inside the first book, & inscriptions referencing him inside the book. The set’s notable features include marbled endpapers, gilded edges, & fine 18th century armorial binding. The Edinburgh 1765 edition of Virgil is not as common as London or Glasgow printings of the era. Armorial bindings, especially with association to 18th-century nobility, are highly prized by collectors.
Special provenance:
The handwriting notes refer to James McLaren Stuart Gray & the book’s sale provenance, as well as confirm prior ownership by the Duke of Grafton. Where his signature is also present. The elaborate gilt armorial binding bearing the Duke of Grafton’s arms further authenticates this provenance.
Also a modern bookplate indicating more recent acquisition by the Virgil collector Craig W. Kallendorf.
