Tennyson's Works Published by C. Kegan Paul & Co.

This is a Victorian-era hardcover book titled 'Tennyson's Works,' representing a collected edition of the poetry of Alfred, Lord Tennyson. The volume is bound in a deep forest green cloth, a characteristic color for literary editions of the late 19th century. The spine features gold gilt lettering for both the title and the publisher's name at the foot, identifying the maker as 'C. Kegan Paul & Co.' This specific publisher imprint suggests a manufacturing date between 1877 and 1881, prior to the firm becoming Kegan Paul, Trench & Co. The book displays significant signs of age and wear: the cloth at the top and bottom of the spine (the 'head' and 'tail') is badly frayed and worn through to the underlying board, and there is visible bumping and loss of material at the corners. The spine shows vertical creasing and some discoloration, indicating frequent handling and light exposure. Despite the external cosmetic damage, the gilt remains relatively legible, and the binding appears to be intact, though likely fragile. The craftsmanship is typical of high-quality mass-produced Victorian trade bindings, featuring a sturdy cloth wrap over thick cardboard. As an example of Victorian literature, it holds value for its historical publisher's mark and its association with the Poet Laureate of the era.