Folio Society Books Appraisal

The Confessions of an English Opium-Eater by Thomas De Quincey (The Folio Society, 1948 Edition)

This item is a 1948 edition of Thomas De Quincey's 'The Confessions of an English Opium-Eater,' published by The Folio Society in London. As an early Folio Society production, it represents high-quality mid-century bookmaking. The volume features wood-engraved illustrations by Blair Hughes-Stanton, a notable figure in the British wood-engraving revival. These illustrations are highly sought after for their intricate detail and artistic merit. The book is bound in a decorative cloth characteristic of early Folio Society releases, often utilizing patterns or marbled effects, though the specific cover pattern is not visible here. The title page shown is typeset in a classic serif font, presenting a clean and elegant layout that reflects the aesthetic of post-war British publishing. Notable features include the specific mention of wood engravings on the title page and the Folio Society imprint with the date 1948. Regarding condition, the paper appears slightly aged with a mild patina consistent with its mid-20th-century origin. There is some visible digital compression or wear on the edges of the image, but the text remains legible. The craftsmanship is indicative of limited-edition quality, geared towards collectors who value fine typography and traditional printmaking techniques.