Robert Blake, Admiral and General at Sea, based on Family and State papers by W. Hepworth Dixon (1889 Hardcover)

• Author:   William Hepworth Dixon (1821-1879)

• Publisher:   Bickers & Son, London, Leicester Square, United Kingdom 1889

Biography of one of the major figures during the Cromwellian era. Robert Blake (1598–1657) was one of the most important military commanders of the Commonwealth of England and one of the most famous English admirals of the 17th century, whose successes have never been excelled, not even by Nelson. Illustrated, with ten Woodbury type plates all intact.

William Hepworth Dixon (1821-1879) was an English historian and traveller. He was a member of the first School Board for London (1870). During the first three years of the School Board's existence Dixon's labours were extensive. Perhaps this is why his "new edition", published after the author's death and more than two centuries after Blake's death might have been an award for a boarding school student.

This copy was an Easter, 1892 award to boarding school student Richard Henry Powell, according to the inscription on ffep. An English Army officer by that name was killed in 1915 France during WWI. If the same person, this book was given as an award when he was eight years old. I imagine this biography would have been an inspiration to such a future English officer.

This was a expensively produced luxury edition hardcover without a jacket. Book has calf covers, spine with raised bands, gilt lettered brown shadow box on spine, with the school crest in gilt on the front cover. The banner surrounding the crest gives 13 Somerset Street, Portman Square as the school location. I could not identify the school, since this location in London has had the 1890s buildings destroyed. The front paste-down, end-papers and all edges are marbled. Corners are square.

This copy has had the front cover separate from the remainder along the spine and the rear cover is fragile along gutter. This is because the leather has been untouched for over a century. Aside from the inscription, there is no writing inside the text. Interior is tight and clean with foxing only on front end-papers. A sticker on rear paste-down identifies the book as once from The Willis Collection of Photographica Birmingham, as is fitting for these striking illustrations.

• Size:  8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾" tall, 300pp

• Condition: Fair Hardcover w/o Jacket – Luxury edition, always privately owned

No copyright date stated. Title page indicates 1889 London printing. Of course, no ISBN, LCCN nor MSR.

Notes on Condition/Edition ratings:

Fine – means like new, but any book produced over 10 years ago isn't “brand new”.  Booksellers needed some word to describe this...

Like New – A new book, no marks no damage (except maybe remainder marks) except not obtained directly from the publisher or in packaging from the publisher.

Very Good – How you or I might take care of a book, closer to “as new” than standard. Might show ownership.

Good – How someone else might take care of a book. Also referred to as “standard.” The most likely condition

for books of this age & title, shows the book has been read or previously owned.

Acceptable – How a child, student or a librarian might take care of a book. (Either trying to make sure

someone doesn't steal it by plastering ownership everywhere, filled it with copious notes or

a book that has been damaged.)

Poor – Combination of “acceptable” factors above. Most likely with water damage as well. Might have

missing pages (you should ask).

Near – Means “almost” in an optimistic sense. e.g., “Near Fine” means very good, but on the high end.

1^st Thus – Unique somehow, maybe 1^st paperback, new illustrator, misprint or even the 1^st edition. A collector

might desire this copy.

Thanks for looking!