A signed binding by Robert Dudley for H. W. Longfellow’s<span

class="book">The Song of Hiawatha (original) (raw)

Binding

Robert Dudley

1860

Blue cloth with a gilt design

8½ x 5¾ inches

This binding exemplifies Dudley’s emphasis on compartmentalized design which combines rectangular panels and roundels. Though geometrical, figurative elements are included too: the medallions depict exotic flowers and the central mandorla is a narrative scene from the poem. This approach is found in other works by Dudley; the book shown here, which is only in passable condition, is perhaps his rarest binding. His monogram, ‘RD’, is positioned within the mandorla.

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• Detail

Photograph and text by Simon Cooke

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