Makers of Venice

London: Macmillan & Co, 1892. Octavo. 410 pages. (2) pp. ads. Extra illustrated edition. Besides the 53 illustrations in most editions, this copy is extra-illustrated with 20 additional plates with Giotto, Fra Angelico, Cimabue, Masolino, Fra Lippi and others. The author is now considered one of the finest women writers of the era. Though she was free from much of the conventions tolerated by many women writers, she wrote with intelligence about Florence and society that was detached from her societal connections. However, when she read Hardy's Jude the Obscure, she found it too gross and wrote a review attacking it. This brought her into disfavor (truncated) at the time. In retrospect, her writing reflects marvelous insights into Florence often overlooked by the traditional tourist. Bound in 1/4 white cloth over maroon cloth centrally stamped in gilt, spine lettered red within gilt ruled frames, light wear to corners and spine ends, spine soiled, some rubbing to rear board, top edge gilt, previous owner's gift inscription. (Inventory #: 008441)