[BINDING - VICTORIAN]. HUMPHREYS, Henry Noel (1810-1879). The Origin and Progress of the Art of Writing. London: Day & Son, 1855.

4to. Chromolithographed frontispiece and 12 plates by Day & Son, 15 uncolored, woodcut illustrations in the text. Original morocco-backed papier mâché binding over a red paper ground, with the title lettered at the centre with foliate surrounds on both covers, roan spine lettered in gilt, all edges gilt (spine ends repaired, a few small cracks to upper cover); folding case.

Second edition. McLean suggests it is a copy of this book which appears in the background of Holman Hunt's celebrated Pre-Raphaelite painting "The Awakening Conscience," now at Tate Britain. Abbey 224; McLean, Victorian Book Design pp.150-151.

Property from the Estate of Peter Fortsas