The poetical works of Robert Browning

London: Smith, Elder, 1901.

Two volumes bound in one and printed on thin paper. Handsomely bound by Truelove and Hanson of Sloane St, London, in half dark brown morocco over marbled boards with gilt spine of Art Deco design, raised bands, date in gilt at the base and title in gilt lettering in the second compartment. Marbled endpapers. All edges gilt. Binding signed. Neat inked gift inscription to first endpaper plus a sheet of notepaper with letterhead of Burley Priory, Woodbridge, Suffolk, and a typed message: "Miss Davidson. A momento sent in accordance with the wishes of the late Dr M.J. Rendall". In 1926 Dr Rendall had purchased the Gatehouse of the priory to serve as his home following his retirement as headmaster of Winchester College in 1924. Having discovered the Gatehouse by chance he set about its restoration, the research of its history and heraldry, engaging the architect W.D. Caröe, who had worked with him at Winchester, to conduct the restoration.