1901 Lyra Apostolica (christian poetry). Fine binding by Bumpus of Oxford

A very handsome, finely-bound, collection of Christian poetry on various subjects from John Williams Bowden, Rev. Richard Hurrell Froude, Rev. John Keble, Rev. John Henry Newman, Rev. Robert Isaac Wilberforce and Rev. Isaac Williams. Bound by the noted Bumpus of Oxford (signed, meaning they stamped the turn-in on front board, claiming their binding work).

About the Work -

A collection of 179 sacred poems, published 1836, contributed originally to the British Magazine. The poems appeared anonymously; the six authors, all associated with the Oxford Movement, were each designated by a Greek letter: J. W. Bowden (α), R. H. Froude (β), Keble (γ), Newman (δ), R. I. Wilberforce (ε), and I. Williams (ζ).

Physical Attributes -

Measures 15 x 10 x 2 cm. Full crushed calf with five raised spines; title in gilt in one compartment, year at bottom of spine, other four compartments have central floret. Board edges ruled in gilt. Turn-ins also ruled in gilt with corner florets. All edges gilt. Pages - xvi, 256 (1).

Condition -

See pictures. A little shelf wear and edge rubs. Spine a little darker, and around edge of front board (moisture of binding process mark?). Flyleaves have ghosting from the turn-ins, and some yellow spots which bled through to the facing page (at front and rear). Missing one blank endpaper at front. Text block is clean and free of tears, with perhaps only slight toning. A subtle but great looking book bound by one of the premiere binders of the time.