Alfred Tennyson — Idylls of the King

London, Henry S. King and Co. 1874. Leather. Tennyson's first four narrative poems of Idylls of the King, concerning King Arthur's accession and marriage, in a smart full calf binding. In a full calf binding, with the binder's label of A. Holden to the front paste down. All edges gilt. Ink inscription to the front paste down. Ink inscription to the first blank page, dated 1875. Idylls of the King, published between 1859 and 1885, is a cycle of twelve narrative poems by the famous poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809–1892) which retells the legend of King Arthur, his knights, his love for Guinevere and her tragic betrayal of him, and the rise and fall of Arthur's kingdom. This volume contains the first four of Idylls - Enid, Vivien, Elaine and Guinevere - first published in 1859, which cover Arthur's coronation, his accession, and marriage. In a full calf binding. Externally very smart, with a little wear to the end bands, and to the head and tail of the spine, and minimal rubbing to the extremities. Spine is somewhat faded and there are a couple of faint marks to the boards. Internally, firmly bound. Some spotting to the first and last few pages, but otherwise pages are bright and clean. Very Good . Ill.: None. Very Good .