BACON, FRANCIS. Of Gardens: an Essay. London: especially written out and illuminated by F. Sangorski & G. Sutcliffe, [c.1905].
4to (240 x 170 mm). 11 ll, plus 7 blank ll. Illuminated manuscript on vellum, comprising calligraphic title and text in black ink, first opening with broad naturalistic rambling rose and vine borders on gold ground, incipit in gold ink above oval vignette of an English garden, ten initials in various colored inks (2 with long trailing stems), 2 further oval vignettes. Original crushed green morocco, covers gilt with rounded lozenge device enclosed within multiple-filet gilt border with fan corner pieces, red morocco gilt doublures, red watered silk free endpapers, slipcase. Colophon leaf discolored chiefly on verso, extremities of spine very lightly rubbed.
Provenance: Phoebe A.D. Boyle (bookplate, dated 1912); probably her sale of "of Ancient and Modern Manuscripts on Vellum," Anderson Galleries, November 19, 1923; John Achelis (bookplate); his sale of "Jewelled and Elaborate Bindings," American Art Association, December 16, 1932, lot 18; Alwin J. Scheuer [1882-1934] (New York bookseller).