The Ship of Stars
The melody always became a story.
by A. T. Quiller-Couch
Charles Scribner's Sons, 1899, New York
Printed 1903
CONDITION:
Overall condition is Fair. The covers and boards show significant edgewear/rubbing and sunning. The spine his frayed with chipping and loss to the head/tail. The hinges and joints are tight. Binding severely cocked. The text block and pages are lightly toned and in overall good condition with the exception of several creased pages toward the back of the book. Deckle edges. Top edge gilt. The endpapers are Good, with an inscription dated 1908, price written, and toning.
ATTRIBUTES:
Illustrated edition. Hardcover. No dust jacket. Bound in cloth over boards. All edges 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.
DESCRIPTION:
"The Ship of Stars" by A. T. Quiller-Couch is a fictional work that unfolds as a love story set against the evocative backdrop of the Cornwall coast. The narrative weaves together elements of romance and the unique atmosphere of the West Country, a region known for its dramatic landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The author, A. T. Quiller-Couch, was a prominent English writer, poet, and literary critic, often associated with the late Victorian and Edwardian eras. His works frequently explored themes of regional identity, adventure, and human relationships, often imbued with a sense of romanticism and a strong connection to the natural world.
Quiller-Couch, also known by his pseudonym 'Q', held a significant place in English literature, particularly for his contributions to Cornish literature and his role as a literary editor and anthologist. His writing style is characterized by its lyrical quality and his ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with readers. "The Ship of Stars" exemplifies his skill in blending a captivating personal story with a vivid sense of place, making the Cornish setting an integral part of the emotional landscape of the novel.
For a collector, "The Ship of Stars" holds interest not only as a representative work by a respected author but also as a piece of regional literature that captures the essence of Cornwall. Quiller-Couch's dedication to the West Country and his ability to imbue his stories with its spirit make his books particularly appealing to those interested in literary depictions of specific geographical and cultural areas. The novel's exploration of love within such a distinctive setting offers a glimpse into the literary trends and thematic concerns prevalent in early 20th-century British fiction, making it a valuable addition to a collection focused on this period or on regional literature.
FLASHBACK TO 1899 WHEN THIS BOOK WAS PUBLISHED:
When this book was published in 1899, the Second Boer War erupted in South Africa, while the Philippines continued its fight for independence against the United States, a conflict that deeply divided American public opinion. Meanwhile, Aspirin was patented by Bayer, marking a significant medical breakthrough, and the composer Edward Elgar was gaining international renown with his *Enigma Variations*, as the world teetered on the brink of a new century, filled with both technological promise and imperialistic strife.
Location: ABS-1-4-008