[Inlaid Binding] Kelly, R. Talbot. Egypt: Painted & Described.

Kelly, R. Talbot. Egypt Painted & Described. London: Adam & Charles Black, 1902. First edition. 4to. Top edge gilt; pp. xiii, 239. 75 colored plates, captioned tissue-guard to each. An A & C Black classic; the Irish Egyptologist's and painter's book, based on his life with Bedouin tribes. Inman 19. Bound for Brentano's of Paris (almost assuredly by Birdsall of Northampton) in three-quarter dark blue morocco over light blue cloth boards ruled in gilt. Spine with two raised bands decoratively paneled in gilt. The largest panel features an inlaid Egyptian scene of white pyramids, light blue sky, dark brown palm trees, light brown sand, and blue water. Light brown endpapers; top edge gilt. Some light rubbing to edges, and small spots to inlaid panel.

Birdsall produced a large array of 3/4 morocco bindings with inlaid spine panels for A&C Black travel volumes, Arthur Rackham-illustrated titles, etc. "Birdsall's is notable for the high quality of their leathers and finishings, as well as for the inventive style of their 'inlaid pictorial bindings'" (Chevalier Collection, Christie's November 9, 1990).