Lives of the Poets (Spine of an Antique Volume)
Decorative Art / Antique Book Binding • To be attributed to a commercial publishing house or bindery; possible author: Samuel Johnson (1779-1781 series).
Style & Movement
Neoclassical / Romantic Era Book Design
Medium & Technique
Leathertte or calf leather binding with paper title label and ink-printed lettering.
Creation Period
Late 18th to mid-19th Century (likely Victorian edition)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 8 to 10 inches in height (octavo or quarto format); portrait orientation.
Subject Description
The spine of a hardbound book titled 'Lives of the Poets'. The composition consists of a dark brown spine with an aged, torn paper label featuring serif typography.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Poor to Fair; significant loss to the paper title label, edge wear on the spine, and surface abrasions.
Estimated Market Value
Minimal; $10 to $50 USD depending on the edition rarity and interior condition.
Auction Estimate
$5 to $30 USD (likely as part of a lot).
Provenance History
Indications of private or institutional library use; visible numerals (possibly 29.N30) suggest a shelf-mark or cataloging system.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the mass-market publication of literary criticism during the height of British biographical interest in poets from Cowley to Gray.
Notable Features
Distinguishable typed shelf-mark numbers on the label and handwritten numbers at the base suggest a specific historical library provenance.
Condition Issues
Fraying of the leather/cloth, discoloration/yellowing of the paper title label, and physical loss of the label's edges.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep in a low-UV, humidity-controlled environment. Professional re-backing or archival book sleeve/slipcase to prevent further label loss.