Turn of the Century Autograph Book
[Ipswich, England]: 1905-06. A unique and charming autograph book of a young college woman, filled with handwritten drawings, quotes from various writers and good wishes from friends and acquaintances at the college. The initials N.T.C. are on many of the pages. It is unclear whether these are the initials of the album's owner or a reference to the school they all attend. References to Ipswich and and Burton on Trent place the book as English. The most delightful feature of the autograph book are the 32 illustrations interspersed throughout. There are 12 watercolors, 13 pen and ink drawings, and 6 pencil sketches. They include men and women, flowers, animals, and scenery. The quality of the illustrations varies from basic and naive through competent to a few that are quite accomplished. Bound in brown leather with the word Album in gilt to front cover. Bumping and chipping, with the backstrip still attached but in fairly poor shape. All edges gilt. A few pages have become loose but the book is otherwise a lovely example. Measures 5 x 8 inches. [44 pages]. HANDWRITTEN/081120. / Very Good. More