The Talisman. By Sir Walter Scott. Illustrated by Federico Castellon. Collector’s Edition. Easton Press. Norwalk, 1976.

Sir Walter Scott is a key contributor to early 19th century Anglo-European literature. His career began with poetry, but in 1814 he published Waverley, his first novel and a defining volume in his literary career. It quickly became popular and ushered in a long series of Waverley novels which have defined Scott’s legacy. His work is deeply influenced by romanticism, but the Waverley novels and many of his other works are also recognized as pioneering achievements in the historical fiction genre. The Talisman is the second in a sub-set of Waverly novels referred to as The Tales of the Crusaders. The Talisman is set during the Third Crusade and follows the relationship between Richard I of England and Saladin, the founder of the Ayyubid Dynasty and the first sultan of both Egypt and Syria. In this illustrated volume, Scott’s classic text is paired with engravings by Godefroy Durand. It is a handsome rendition of the text, sure to excite historical fiction readers and admirers of Sir Walter Scott’s classics.

This collector’s edition is in fine condition. In the original brown leather, finely gilt stamped. Raised bands. Gilt spine label. Text block fine. Gilt edges. Silk moire endpapers and ribbon sewn in. This copy with the publisher’s original bookplate blank and laid in.

A fine collector’s copy of The Talisman.