Signed Shakespeare's Sonnets One of a Kind Full Leather Artisan Hand-Bound, 1899, Art Nouveau Illustrations by Henry Ospovat

Details

Description

This is a museum-quality, one-of-a-kind (OOAK) piece of decorative art from the height of the Arts & Crafts movement, perfect … Read more This is a museum-quality, one-of-a-kind (OOAK) piece of decorative art from the height of the Arts & Crafts movement, perfect for a curated library, mantel, or desk. This is a unique book hand-bound and signed by the artisan, Phebe Anne King.

Aesthetic Appeal
The aesthetic is elegant Arts & Crafts, with the original text block dating to the Art Nouveau period of 1899. The high-quality full brown leather binding is tactile and rich in patina, featuring five distinctive raised bands on the spine that underscore the exceptional craftsmanship.

The History & Provenance
The book contains the classic text of Shakespeare's Sonnets, with celebrated Art Nouveau illustrations by Henry Ospovat. The pages were originally printed in 1899.
The most unique detail is the handwritten binder's signature on the back endpaper: "Hand-bound by Phebe Anne King." This confirms the book is a bespoke, signed commission—a personal artifact from the Arts & Crafts movement where a talented woman created this unique leather casing for the text.

Details for the Collector:

Book Title: Shakespeare's Sonnets

Publisher (Text Block): John Lane, The Bodley Head (London and New York)

Publication Year (Text Block): 1899 (MDCCCXCIX)

Illustrator: Henry Ospovat (Art Nouveau style)

Binding: One-of-a-Kind Full Leather Hand-Binding

Artisan Signature: Hand-signed by Phebe Anne King (See photo). See less