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Stinky Old Books

1850 The Bible History of the Holy Land | Harrow Fine Prize Binding

1850 The Bible History of the Holy Land | Harrow Fine Prize Binding

€125.00 EUR
€125.00 EUR
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The Bible History of the Holy Land by John Kitto, D.D., F.S.A. Second Edition. Published 1850. Awarded in March 1853 to the Hon. J.S. Gabor-Massey, a student in Harrow's Fifth Form, he was recognized for diligence and excellence in modern languages and painting; it is signed by the Harrow Second Master, William Oxenham. 

Harrow School is one of the world's most prestigious all-boys private boarding schools. Founded in London in 1572 under a Royal Charter granted by Queen Elizabeth I, it has educated global leaders, royalty, and cultural icons for more than 450 years. 

During the mid-19th century, Harrow was heavily populated by the sons of the British upper class, who were groomed for careers in Parliament, the military, or managing vast family estates. The student named on the Latin bookplate is listed with the prefix Honble (Honorable), which means that he belonged to the British aristocracy or the immediate family of a peer (a Lord, Viscount, or Earl), likely the noble Anglo-Irish Barons Massy of Duntrileage.

This binding is in full red leather, with 5 raised bands at the spine, and the official historic emblem and badge of Harrow School is gilt-stamped onto the panels of the book spine. 

When John Lyon founded Harrow School in 1572, the original institutional rules mandated that parents must provide their sons with "paper, ink, pens, books, candles, and bows and arrows". Starting in 1684, a prestigious archery match was established at Harrow. Each year, the school's top twelve archers dressed in elaborate silk uniforms to compete on the school grounds for a grand prize: a beautifully crafted, life-sized Silver Arrow.

Though the event was abolished in 1771, the symbol of the archery arrows was so deeply ingrained in the school’s identity that it became its everlasting emblem. 

All page edges and endpapers are marbled; there are small-scale illustrations throughout. 

English, 496 pages.

150 mm W x 220 mm H 

Condition: Discoloration and marks to front and back cover, some rubbing to corners and board edges, some wear to hinges, light foxing throughout. Good to fair condition. 

Please review all photos closely and reach out with any questions. 

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