Hereward the Wake

London: Macmillan and Co., Limited, 1910 . Leather. Very Good. 7.5" by 5". None. A lovely and scarce early edition of this novel by Charles Kingsley in full calf binding and gilt. Early edition of Hereward the Wake by Charles Kingsley in full calf binding. The novel, first published in 1866, tells the story of a historical Anglo-Saxon figure who leads the resistance against the Normans. The novel helped establish 'Hereward' as an English folk hero. Charles Kingsley was a nineteenth century English author, poet, historian and priest of the Church of England. He is best known for The Water-Babies and his ability to provide social commentary through his work. With gilt to the front board and spine and prize book plate from 1912 to the front pastedown. Presented from Christ's Hospital London, with their institutional crest to the front board.  In full calf binding. Externally, very smart. There is some bumping to the head and tail of the spine and to the extremities. This has resulted in some slight wear to the leather in these areas. The front hinge is starting but firm. Prize book plate to the front pastedown from 1912. Internally, firmly bound. The pages are bright and clean with some occasional spotting. Very Good