[Fine Binding | Inlaid Pictorial Spine] Florence & Some Tuscan Cities

Goff, Clarissa and Colonel R.C. Goff. Florence & Some Tuscan Cities: Painted by Colonel R. C. Goff. London: A. & C. Black, [1905]. 75 full-page watercolor plates with titled tissue guards. Bound by Birdsall of Northampton (though unsigned) in three-quarter maroon morocco over red cloth boards ruled in gilt. Spine with two raised bands decoratively paneled in gilt. The first panel contains the title and author in gilt on an inlaid brown panel. The large middle panel features an inlaid Italian street scene, with buildings & towers in various shades of brown and red, light blue sky, and tan streets. Grey and purple mottled endpapers; top edge gilt. Measures approx. 6.75" x 9.25". Staining/discoloration to upper portion of spine, inlaid scene browned, light rubbing to edges, and light soiling to cloth. Corners bumped. 

Birdsall produced a large array of 3/4 morocco bindings with inlaid spine panels primarily for A&C Black travel volumes, but they can also be found on children's illustrated titles and other popular gift books of the period. "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).