Various — The Book of the Bench

London, James Mackenzie Limited, 1909. Vellum. A colourful volume of portraits of the legal figures of Edwardian England, a deluxe edition of this work by Leslie Ward. The deluxe edition, bound in full vellum.A volume of striking plates depicting many influential legal figures of the day. Each plate is accompanied by a short biographical piece.Illustrated with thirty-nine colour plates. Collated, complete.Many of the portraits in this volume are by Leslie Ward, a caricaturist who is also known by his pseudonyms "Spy" and "Drawl". He painted a total of 1,325 portraits during his career, which were regularly published in 'Vanity Fair&apos.Portraits in this volume include the Lord High Chancellor Lord Loreburn, Lord Chief Justice of England Lord Alverstone, Sir James Stirling, Sir Charles John Darling, Sir Thomas Townsend Bucknill, Lord Macnaghten, Sir Roland Vaughan Williams, and more. In the original publisher's vellum binding. Externally, generally smart, with handling marks to the boards and spine. Front board is a little bowed. Spine is discoloured, as is usual with vellum. Front hinge is starting but firm. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and generally clean with scattered spots. Very Good . Ill.: Spy; [Leslie Ward]; Various. Very Good .