John Ruskin | Praeterita, 1886-1900, 4 volumes, extra illustrated and with autograph letters signed tipped-in

John Ruskin

Praeterita: Outlines of scenes and thoughts. London: George Allen, 1886-1888, 3 volumes

Idem. Praeterita… second edition (Dilecta). London: George Allen, 1900, 3 volumes bound in one, serving as a supplement to the above

Together 4 volumes, 8vo, EXTRA ILLUSTRATED WITH CLIPPINGS, POSTCARDS, ETC., AND WITH AUTOGRAPH LETTERS SIGNED BOUND IN, uniform twentieth-century half morocco, top edge gilt, others uncut, two bindings slightly dampstained, one endpaper detached

The first two volumes of Praeterita contain tipped-in ALSs by Ruskin. The first, to Henry Merritt, speaking of a letter of refusal to architects and concludes "Italy is dreadful – beyond dreams – in its madcap and folly – everywhere. But I always live now as in a madhouse – time will show whether it is I who am mad" (3 pages, 8vo, Lucca, 4 August, no year). The second glowingly describing Dora Livesey, a young guest at his home: "She's a darling – but a little too aesthetic for prosy old me, now" (1 page, 8vo, Assisi, 7 August 1874, folded, clipped along foot after signature, with loss).

A letter by Ruskin's cousin, Joan Ruskin Severn to the owner of the set, is tipped to rear of the Dilecta, along with a picture of the family home, Brantwood House.