TENNYSON, ALFRED LORD. ILLUMINATIONS FROM IDYLLS OF THE KING. CIRCA 1880

4to album (16 3/8 x 13 3/4 in.; 44.5 x 35 cm). 8 velum leaves (approximately 10 3/8 x 7 1/8 in.; 26.5 x 18.5 cm), illuminated in various colors, with manuscript text in black (recto only), mounted with gilt-edge matts; minor foxing, infrequent and minor rubbing. Full dark brown calf, elaborately tooled with multiples rules and decorative borders in blind, central vellum roundel richly illuminated; rebacked to style, corners expertly repaired. Half calf, velvet lined clamshell presentation case, spine gilt-lettered. 

4to album (16 3/8 x 13 3/4 in.; 44.5 x 35 cm). 8 velum leaves (approximately 10 3/8 x 7 1/8 in.; 26.5 x 18.5 cm), illuminated in various colors, with manuscript text in black (recto only), mounted with gilt-edge matts; minor foxing, infrequent and minor rubbing. Full dark brown calf, elaborately tooled with multiples rules and decorative borders in blind, central vellum roundel richly illuminated; rebacked to style, corners expertly repaired. Half calf, velvet lined clamshell presentation case, spine gilt-lettered.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

A stunning and unique collection of verse taken from Tennyson's Idylls of the King. A note accompanying the volume suggests that these leaves were used for making color-lithograph plates, and that they were later mounted and bound into this album, which was then presented to Tennyson as a memento.  The poetry of Tennyson famously featured in Dead Poet Society (Touchstone, 1989).  In one memorable scene, the character of Neil Perry, played by Robert Sean Leonard, recites Tennyson's "Ulysses". In another scene, John Keating, played by Williams, discusses the nature of the dreams of man with another teacher, remarking: "But only in their dreams can man be truly free. 'Twas always thus, and always thus will be." "Tennyson?" his colleague asks, to which he replies: "No, Keating."