Ian Maclaren — Beside the Bonnie Brier Bush

London, Hodder and Stoughton, 1896 . Hardback. A scarce, signed, Limited Edition of this charming collection of Scottish stories by Ian Maclaren, complete with the very scarce original dust wrapper, and illustrated throughout by William Hole. The scarce signed Limited Edition of this delightful collection of stories of rural Scottish life from from Ian Maclaren, illustrated by William Hole.No. 36 of fifty copies signed by both Maclaren and Hole, containing an extra set of illustrations printed on Japanese vellum. Complete with the very scarce publisher's original dust wrapper. An excellent example of an early dust wrapper.Illustrated with twenty-four plates from Scottish etcher, illustrator and engraver William Hole, including the set of twelve duplicate plates on Japanese vellum. With each plate retaining the original captioned tissue guard. Collated, complete.First published in 1894, Maclaren's storied recount many of his experiences as a Free Church of Scotland minister in rural Perthshire, blending humour and pathos with Scots dialogue. In the publisher's original quarter paper vellum binding, with paper covered boards, and publisher's original dust wrapper. Shelf wear to back strip head and tail, with back strip lightly age toned. Board a touch faded to fore edge. Dust wrapper back strip age toned, with rear fly leaf absent. Tape reinforcement to head and tail of dust wrapper reverse. Small tape repair to reverse of back strip head. Two further small closed tears to back strip. Internally, firmly bound. Pages clean and bright, with majority uncut to top edge and fore edge. Near Fine . Ill.: William Hole. Near Fine/Very Good Indeed.