Virginia W. Johnson's "The Lily of the Arno" is a captivating travelogue that immerses readers in the rich history, art, architecture, and culture of Florence, Italy. The book explores the city's enchanting essence, from the picturesque Arno River to the majestic Duomo, offering detailed descriptions of its churches, towers, and architectural ornaments. Johnson, an American novelist who resided in Florence after 1875, was known for her descriptive works and fiction for both young people and adults. Her insights into art history and architecture were well-received, and her travel writings often appeared in various magazine publications before being compiled into full-length books.
The book's significance lies in its vivid portrayal of Florence, a city deeply intertwined with the symbol of the lily. The Florentine lily, often depicted as a red lily on a white field, has been an emblem of the city since at least the 11th century, representing its beauty, nobility, and pride. This symbol, which is actually a spontaneous iris found in the Arno valley, has been featured in the city's coat of arms, on monuments, and in the works of renowned Florentine artists like Sandro Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci. Johnson's work contributes to the literary tradition of celebrating Florence, offering readers a historical and cultural journey through the "City of Lilies."
Collectors would find this book interesting for its historical context as a late 19th-century travelogue of a significant European city. As a descriptive work by an author who lived in Florence, it offers a personal and informed perspective on the city's past and present. The book provides a window into how Florence was perceived and presented to a wider audience during that era, highlighting its enduring appeal as a center of art and culture. Its focus on the city's iconic landmarks and the symbolic importance of the lily adds to its allure for those interested in Florentine history and literary travel.
This book is in good condition. Ivory cloth beveled boards with lovely gilt titles. The boards are edgeworn and rubbed, with some corner bumping and spotting. The spine is darkened and rubbed, with worn gilt. The hinges and joints are good. The endpapers are toned. The text block is crisp. The plates and illustrations are very good, with all tissue guards present and all illustrations present. Red ribbon bookmark present.
First edition. Illustrated edition. Hardcover. No dust jacket. Bound in cloth over boards. Top edge gilt. This is an antiquarian book that has had a long and illustrious journey through time. Please take a look at the pictures to ascertain the condition of this item.
Page Count: 354
Location: ABS-1-2-008