Gwendolen Murphy [ed.] — A Cabinet of Characters

London, Oxford University Press, 1925. First edition. Cloth. An association copy of Gwendolen Murphy's compilation of character sketches, previously owned by conservative MP John Arkwright An association copy of Gwendolen Murphy's compilation of character sketches, with frontispiece and ten illustrations, collated and complete. This copy is believed to have been owned by British Conservative politician John Stanhope Arkwright, whose name can be found in pencil to the recto of the front endpaper. Arkwright was MP for Hereford between 1900 and 1912, and also authored the hymn 'O Valiant Hearts' to honour those killed in World War I. Following an introduction into the history of character sketches, Murphy compiles a range of sketches written between the 17th and early 20th centuries. Alongside authors who are well-known for their extreme characterisations, such as Geoffrey Chaucer, Murphy offers a broad range of character types including coxcombs, country shoe makers, Puritans, critics and painters. In the publisher's original green cloth binding. Externally, smart, with some minor shelf wear, and a little rubbing to the joints and the spine. Internally, generally firmly bound with a little tenderness at page 176. Pages bright and clean. Very Good Indeed . Ill.: None. Very Good Indeed .