Stephen Phillips — Paolo & Francesca

London and New York, John Lane the Bodley Head, 1900. Leather. A tragedy portraying the affair of Paolo Malatesta and Francesca da Polenta, bound by the Guild of Women Binders. An unsigned binding by the Guild of Women Binders.The Guild of Women Binders were formed at the turn of the twentieth century by Frank Karslake with an intention to promote and distribute the work of female bookbinders. In addition to selling bindings produced by women, they were also responsible for creating training programs for women interested in bookbinding. The eighth edition, published in the same year as the first.A gripping romantic tragedy, following the doomed love affair of Paolo Malatesta and his brother's wife, Francesca da Polenta.The pair were portrayed by Dance in Canto V of his 'Inferno&apos.By Stephen Phillips, who was commissioned to write this play by actor-manager Sir George Alexander. In a full calf binding, by the Guild of Women Binders. Externally, generally smart, with a light damp stain to the boards. Minor bumping to the extremities. Spine is a little faded. Tidemark to the paste downs and endpapers. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and clean. A few small amount of discolouration to the first and last few pages, due to the tidemark to the endpapers. Good . Ill.: None. Good .