Roadside Songs of Tuscany

New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1884. 1884 First Edition Parts I through IV (We see contemporary reprints that separate each "part" into a separate book.) Part I: The Story of Lucia with author and editor's preface and two illustrations: Beatrice of the Field of the Alder-Trees & Santa Zita: the Miracle at the Well Part II: The Ballad of Santa Zita with editor's notes and two illustrations: Santa Zita Giving Alms & Santa Zita and the Angel. Part III: The Ballad of the Madonna and the Rich Man. The Story of Paolina. Notes on the Priest's Office by the Editor with two illustrations: The Madonna and the Rich Man Going to Church. Part IV: Flowers of the Pea by the editor. The Dove. The Stories of Isabella and Armida. The Story of Maria and Metilde Seghi. Postscript by the editor. Thou Will Be Content. With two illustrations: Isabella of L'Abentone & The Lovers' Parting. 8vo size tan clothbound floral jacquard hardcover with beveled edges; and gilt titles on spine and maroon or brownish titles on front cover; green patterned endpapers; 146 cream colored laid pages in great condition with bright gilt edges all around. Two black and white engravings. John Ruskin (1819-1900) was a prominent English Victorian era art critic, patron, art "philanthropist," writer, painter and professor. Francesca Alexander (1837-1917) moved from Boston, Massachusetts to Italy with her family at age 16. There she began to collect and translate Italian folk stories and songs, illustrating them herself. Alexander met Ruskin in 1882 and he purchased her manuscript and illustrations for what would become this volume. Ruskin published a second book of Alexander's - The Story of Ida. They remained friends until his death. Partly disbound: rear board detached. Spine, including title area, is badly chipped. Pencilled price and notation on fep; engravings covered with tissue are foxed and there is some light foxing on preceding of succeeding pages only. Corners and edges are worn. The Lovers' Parting engraving with its tissue covering is detached and laid in and has some minor chipping to corners. Thanks for shopping with us. 100% of your purchase benefits charity and supports literacy and life-long learning. . Cloth. Good/No Jacket. Illus. by Alexander, Francesca. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.