PUBLISHER: Thomas Y. Crowell & Co., New York, 1876-1979
ABOUT: See the Crowell introduction page
LUCILE’s ISSUED BY Thomas Y. Crowell & Co.: The Crowell company issued Lucile and Meredith's Poetical Works in a great variety of printings and bindings -- on the order of 200 identifiably different formats -- between 1876 and 1931. After 1884, most of the series bindings in which Lucile and/or the Works appeared were illustrated in the catalogs Crowell submitted annually to Publishers' Trade List Annual. Those illustrations are inserted here below the PTLA series descriptions.
Information on Crowell publications has been divided into two lists, each organized alphabetically by series title. The first -- presented here -- includes editions in larger formats -- 4to, 8vo, 12mo (about 5x7" or larger) -- generally titled "Crowell's Poets" in PTLA and other advertising. The "Crowell's Poets" series typically (but not always) offered both Lucile and Meredith's Works. Scans of and additional information about a few particularly complicated series have been linked to the series description: click on high-lighted words to access this greater detail.
The second, smaller format editions --16mo or 18mo (about 4x6") -- were, generically, the Handy Volume Classics. Lucile appeared in many of these series; the Works were never offered in Handy Volume size.
Before 1885, Crowell's "British Poets" and "Red-Line Poets" were offered with and without red line borders; with and without illustrations; with and without gilt edges; and in bindings not illustrated in PTLA. These states may not be cleanly separated here. Explore both entries.
CROWELL'S POETS
Abbotsford Edition, 1899-1907. 1899 PTLA: Abbotsford Edition. An entirely new line, carefully printed on good paper, bound in new designs, plain edges. 50 volumes, 12mo., $.60. [Lucile and Works].
Aligator Edition (padded), 1886. 1886 PTLA: Alligator Editon of the Poets. With Red-Line Borders, Padded Covers, Full Gilt Edges.In box, $2.50 per volume. [Lucile and Works] [See also Padded Hornback Alligator Edition].
American Half Russia Edition, 1886-1887. 1886 PTLA: American Half Russia. Marble Edges, without red line. $1.00 per volume. [See also Half Russia Edition, 1888-1891 and 1893-1895].
Artist's Series (cloth), 1895-1898. 1895 PTLA: The Artist's Series of Classic Prose and Poetry. This new line of beautiful books is one of the most suitable for gift purposes that can be imagined. The volumes have been carefully selected, and every detail of their manufacture has received due consideration. Each volume is beautifully illustrated, and printed on fine paper with ample margins, decorated with new and pleasing floral designs of great variety, printed in soft tints. The binding and box are in harmony with the artistic page effects, and the result is eminently satisfactory. 15 vols., 12mo, gilt top, $1.50. [Lucile only]. [See also Heidelberg Edition below which shares the same text block. This uses the 360 page set of stereoplates used for 16mo editions but here printed on wide-margined, "tinted", paper to produce a 12mo-size format.]
Astor Edition (cloth), 1896-1919. 1896 PTLA: Astor Edition. 66 volumes, cloth, 12mo., $.60. The Astor Library is especially adapted for handy reading, school and library use. [Lucile and Works].
Autumnal Edition (padded leather), 1911-1912. 1911 PTLA: Autumnal Edition. Embossed and hand colored leather, padded covers, round corners, red under gold, boxed. $2.50.
Bamboo Edition (padded), 1886. 1886 PTLA: Bamboo Edition. In new and elegant style of embossed leather binding, padded flexible covers, round corners, full gilt, and rolled gold edges. Each book in a Paper Box, $3.00 per volume.[Lucile and Works; entry is not illustrated but see also India Bamboo Edition; Venetian Bamboo Edition.].
Beauvais Edition (padded leather), 1905-1906. 1905 PTLA: Beauvais Edition. A new series of popular poets finely printed, with frontispieces, rubricated titles, bound in new leathers, padded covers, decorated in gold and burnt work. Round corners, gilt edges, red under gold, fancy end leaves. Each book in a box. 20 vols. 12mo. $2.50. [Lucile and Works]. 1905 PW Sep 30 has identical description.
British [Standard]; Poets, 1879-1885[?];. British Poets was the first Crowell series to include Meredith. However, the catalogs Crowell submitted to PTLA 1879-1883 carried only capsule descriptions and were not illustrated, so it is not yet possible to sort out the early issues with confidence. In 1882 Crowell announced it had taken over "the entire stock of J.W. Lovell's Printed Sheets of Poets" (which likely accounts for copies with the Crowell imprint in a Lovell binding or a Lovell imprint in a Crowell binding); some also appear with Worthington's imprint. Overlap with early versions of Crowell's Red Line Edition is also strong; indeed the distinction between the two series, if there was one, seems to disappear by 1884. Nonetheless, several bindings thought to be part of this series but which seem to date later than 1884 are shown below.
1879 PTLA: British Poets. 18 volumes. Large 16mo. Plain edges, gilt and block stamp. $1.00. Red Line, gilt edges, bevelled boards. $1.25. Our GILT EDGE POETS will be printed this season with Red Line borders, and bound with Bevelled Boards, new and elegant side and back stamps ; making this series the most attractive and cheapest line of Poets ever offered. 1879 PW Xmas number: Crowell's Red Line British Poets, 40 volumes, cloth, full gilt, $1.25; half Russia (including Meredith), gilt, $2; cloth, plain edge, $1.00.
1880 PTLA: British Poets. 12mo. Tinted paper. Gilt and black stamp, plain edge, $1.00. Gilt edge, red line, bevelled boards, illustrated, $1.25. / Standard British Poets / Crowell's New Illustrated Editions with Red-Line Borders, Bevelled Boards, and Gilt Edges/ Nearly all the volumes in this series comprising all the desirable Poets, -- nearly forty in number, -- will be printed this season from New Electrotype Plates, with Clear and Distinct Type, Elegant Illustrations, and Bound in Extra Cloth in Artistic Styles. The text has been carefully selected from the lastest complete editions, and we claim that this line is superior to any now on the market. [Lucile and Works].
1881 PTLA: [as 1880 but adds to Red-Line Edition, Half Russia, gilt edges, illustrated, $2.00].
1882 PTLA: [as 1880 in main sequence, with half Russia replaced by American tree calf added at price of $4.00; also a separate listing of the same titles as "Crowell's Red Line Poets". See Red Line Poets for this description].
1883 PTLA: [as 1882 in main sequence, with American tree calf reduced to $3.50; Red Line Poets describe the same list of titles];.
1884-1885 PTLA: [Two pages devoted to Red Line Poets as 1883, with tree calf replaced by Alligator leather, and offered both with and without red lines. The second page has a cut of the 1884 binding];.
British Poets, (12mo, not illustrated, cloth), 1880-1884[?];
British Poets, (not illustrated, half russia), 1879-1881.
British Poets, red line, Alligator, 1884-1885
British Poets, red line, American tree calf, 1882-1883
British Poets (Crowell's New Illustrated Editions), 12mo, red line
illustrated 1880-1882
British Poets (Crowell's New Illustrated Editions), red line, half-russia, 1881
Cameo Edition (padded leather), 1906-1907. 1906 PTLA: Cameo Edition. The most popular poets, finely printed, with frontispieces, rubricated titles, bound in new padded leather styles, with cameo inset. Round corners, gilt edges, red under gold, fancy end leaves. Each book in a box. 20 volumes. 12mo. $2.50. [Lucile and Works].
Canterbury Edition, 1899. 1899 PTLA: The Canterbury Edition. Printed on fine paper, with numerous illustrations. New cover designs, 8vo., cloth, gilt top, $1.50. [Lucile and Works].
Circuit Edition, 1900-1901. 1902 PTLA: Circuit Edition. New Style. Levant grain leather, full gilt edges. New Designs on side, back, and flap, boxed, 25 volumes. $2.00. [Lucile only]. [See also Limp Circuit Edition below].
Copley Series, 1899-1902. 1899 PTLA: The Copley Series. The volumes in this new series deserve the attention of all book-lovers. The colored illustrations, printed by a new process, are a special feature, while the deckle-edge paper, wide margins, printed tissues, silk bookmarks, and artistic cover designs combine to make these volumes unique specimens of book-making. 12mo., cloth, gilt top. Printed wrappers. $1.00. [Lucile only; two bindings are illustrated].
Copley Series (limp leather), 1900-1901.1900 PTLA: The Copley Series, Limp Leather. Round corners, full gilt edges, boxed.16 vols., $2.00 [Lucile only].
Cordova Poets (padded burnt leather), 1904-1905. 1904 PTLA: Crowell's Poets. Cordova Edition. Padded Burnt Leather. Round corners, full gilt edges, red under gold, burnt leather, padded covers with gold back and side titles and hand-painted autumn leaf decorations. Each book in a box. 20 vols. $3.00. [Lucile and Works]. 1904 PW Sep 24: Crowell's Poets Cordova Edition. Bound in padded burnt leather, with hand-painted autumn leaf decorations, round corners, and full gilt edges, red under gold.
Crushed Levant Edition, 1899-1901. 1899 PTLA: Crushed Levant Edition. Full gilt edges, monogram on side in colors, boxed, $3.50.
Elaine Edition (novelty padded leather), 1909. 1909 PTLA: Elaine Edition. A new series of the poets, well-printed on good paper, from clear type, with frontispieces and specially designed title-pages. Strongly and beautifully bound in novelty leather, with neat design, gilt top. 30 volumes. $2.00. [Lucile only].
Embossed Calf Edition, 1887-1889. 1888 PTLA: Embossed Calf Edition (Red Line). Gilt edges, padded leather covers, fancy embossing, each volume boxed. 12mo. $2.50. [Lucile and Works].
Endymion Edition, 1904. 1904 PTLA: Crowell's Poets. Endymion Edition. Elephant grain leather. Assorted colors. Photogravure frontispieces. Full gilt edges, red under gold. Each book in a box. 16 volumes. 12mo. $3.50. [Works only].
Family Edition (cloth), 1888-1897. 1888 PTLA: Family Edition. Fully illustrated, printed on fine calendared paper, royal 8vo, bevelled boards, stamped in gilt, red and black ink. Cloth, gilt edges, $2.50; Russia roan calf, embossed, padded covers, round corners, $5.00. [Only Lucile offered]. [All editions are Illustrated by several hands (Merrill, Copeland, Edmund H. Garrett). See Houghton Mifflin; Nims & Knight; and F. A. Stokes for competing editions.]
Family (embossed roan calf), 1894.
Family (half calf), 1889-1890.
Family (Russia roan), 1888-1893.
T. Y. Crowell & Co., Boston and New York. Family Edition of the Poets. THIS house, so well known for the artistic and technical excellence of its bindings, descriptions of which have been given in The Bookmaker from time to time, has now issued this series of royal octavos in a new cover design for the cloth bindings. The design is printed in black, red and gilt and forms a very harmonious union with the color of the cloth. Delicate tracery covers about two-thirds of the recto, while a band of heavy scroll work, vine and flowers, with black background on the left hand. The tracery is repeated on the back. Title panels in gold appear on recto and back. This series of octavo poets, numbering seventeen volumes, has each volume richly illustrated from original drawings by leading American artists. A tinted border of unique design frames each page and sets off the letterpress with fine effect.
Besides the cloth cases which bear the new design above described, these books issue in embossed roan calf, padded with round corners, and also in the various styles of leather bindings used by this house. One of the original illustrations taken from "Lady of the Lake" will be found reproduced on this page, the original drawing being by F. T. Merrill. The presswork of this series is done by Berwick & Smith, Boston. -- (The American BookmakerVII:2 (August 1888), p32-33).
Favorite Illustrated Edition (cloth), 1883-1892. [This edition seems to overlap with the New Favorite Illustrated Edition introduced in 1890].
1883 PTLA: British Poets. Favorite Illustrated Edition -- with designs by Taylor, Merrill, Woodward, Schell, Gifford, Garrett, Hayden, and others. Sq. 8vo, cloth, gilt edge, $2.50. [Lucile only]. 1883 PW 22 Sept, p365: Popular Poets, Crowell's Favorite Illustrated edition, With designs by Taylor, Merrill, Woodward, Schell, Gifford, Garrett, Hayden, and other eminent artists. Printed on fine calendared Paper, bound in attractive style for Holiday Gifts. Square 8vo, Gilt Edge, $2.50 per volume. [9 titles listed including Lucile]. The illustrations for these volumes are deserving of especial mention, having been prepared at great expense, a large proportion of them engraved by Geo. T. Andrew, whose work on "The Cambridge Book of Poetry" adds so much to its value. / The paper, printing, and binding are also first class in all respects, and no effort has been spared to make this series attractive and popular. / The price has also been fixed at a low rate in order to insure the favor of the public, and it is hoped that dealers will find it to their interest to carry a full line of these goods for their holiday trade.
1884-1885 PTLA: Popular Poets. Crowell's Favorite Illustrated Edition. 20 volumes. With designs by Taylor, Merrill, Woodward, Schell, Gifford, Garrett, Hayden, and other eminent artists. The success attending the volumes issued in this style last season has induced us to add Twelve Volumes to the series this year, making twenty in all, in uniform bindings, illustrated by the best artists, and forming one of the handsomest series of Poets ever published at so low a price.... / The illustrations for these volumes are deserving of especial mention having been designed by some of the best artists in the country and engraved by George T. Andrew, whose work on "The Cambridge Book of Poetry" adds so much to its value. / The paper, printing, and binding are first-class in every respect, and no expense has bee spared to make this series attractive and popular. / The price has also been fixed at a very low rate to ensure the public favor, and, with the number of standard authors represented, combine to make this series unrivaled by any other fine edition. Square 8vo. Cloth, full gilt. $2.50. Tree Calf, $6.00. Full Morocco Antique, $6.00. [both Lucile and Works offered 1884-1892; this edition is pictured in PTLA 1884-1892 as shown].
1886 PTLA: [as 1884 but offered in cloth, $2.50 per volume; Tree Calf, $6.00; Full Morocco Antique $6.00; Russia Calf, round corners, padded covers, gilt edges, $7.00; Turkey Morocco, round corners, padded covers, gilt edges, $7.00.
1887 PTLA: [as 1886 with price of Russia Calf and Turkey Morocco reduced to $6.00].
1888 PTLA: Favorite Illustrated Edition. With designs by Taylor, Merrill, Schell, and other eminent artists. Printed on fine calendered papers, and bound in very attractive style for holiday gifts. Square 8vo, cloth, full gilt, $2.00; tree calf, gilt edge, $6.00; Russia calf, round corners, padded covers, gilt edges, $6.00; Turkey morocco, round corners, padded covers, gilt edges, $6.00.
1889-90 PTLA: [as 1888. 26 volumes].
1891-1892 PTLA: [as 1890 with Turkey morocco replaced with padded Persian levant; also offered in full Persian Levant at $4.50].
Flexible Seal Leather Edition, 1889. 1889 PTLA: Flexible Seal Leather Edition. 12 volumes, 12mo. $2.50. Flexible covers, round corners, full gilt. Each book in a paper box. [Only Lucile
is offered].
Florentine Edition (full leather), 1895-1896. 1895 PTLA: The Florentine Edition of Poets. Bound in full leather, full gilt side and back, full gilt edges, each book in a box, 25 vols., 12mo, $2.00. [Lucile and Works].
Gilt Edge Edition, 1898-1906. 1898 PTLA: Formerly known as Red Line Edition. Cloth, Gilt Edges. 60 vols., 12mo. $1.00.
Gladstone Edition (cloth), 1897-1920. 1897 PTLA: The Gladstone Edition. A new line of standard poets, well printed on good paper, from clear type, with frontispieces and specially designed title-pages. Strongly and beautifully bound, with neat cover designs. 42 volumes, cloth, gilt top, $.75. [Lucile and Works].
Gladstone Edition (half calf), 1897-1912. 1897 PTLA: The Gladstone Edition. Half calf, gilt top. $1.75. [Lucile and Works.
Grosvenor Classics, 1904-1905. 1904 PTLA: The Grosvenor Classics. A new series of elegant presentation volumes, beautifully printed on fine paper, with fancy titles and illustrations in full color, by Alice Barber Stephens, and other artists. / Bound in three-quarter ooze calf, linen sides, marbled end leaves, gold lettering and blind tooling. One of the most artistic bindings ever produced. Each book in a fancy box. Sixteen volumes. 12mo. Gilt top. $3.00. [Lucile only].
Half Levant Edition, 1890-1891. 1890 PTLA: Half Levant Edition. Antique finish, gilt top, gold vein, marbled paper sides. Plain sheets. 60 volumes. 12mo. $1.25. [Lucile and Works].
Half Russia Edition, 1888-1891 1888 PTLA: Crowell's Poets. The various attractive styles of binding in which the numerous editions of this well known series are now published, together, with the superior quality of paper and presswork, and the remarkably low prices, enables us to supply all readers with just the edition desired, whether for school use, family libraries, or holiday gifts. The following list give the styles of binding and prices of the various editions. [All pictured; both Lucile and Works also offered in Seal Russia, $2.50.] 1888 PTLA: Half-Russia Edition. Especially adapted for handy reading and school use. Marbled edges, without red line borders. 12mo. $1.00. [Lucile and Works]. [See also American Russian Editon, 1886-1888].
Half Russia Edition, 1893-1895. 1893 PTLA: Half Russia Edition. 108 volumes. Marbled Edges. $.75. The Half Russia Edition is especially adapted for handy reading and library use. Bound in half leather, gilt back, marbled edges, without red line borders. [Lucile and Works].
Heidelberg Series, 1899-1900. 1899 PTLA: The Heidelberg Series of Classic Prose and Poetry. This line of beautiful books is one of the most suitable for gift purposes that can be imagined. The volumes have been carefully selected, and every detail in their manufacture has received due consideration. Each volume is beautifully illustrated, and printed on fine paper with ample margins, decorated with pleasing floral designs of great variety, printed in soft tints. Bound in new designs with fancy paper sides. 12mo, gilt edges. $1.25. [Lucile only; see also Artists Series above which shares the same text block. This uses the set of 360 page stereoplates used for 16mo editions but is here printed on wide-margined, "tinted," paper to produce a 12mo-size format.]
Household Edition. See British Poets and Red Line editions of Meredith's Poems.
Imperial Edition (cloth), 1892-1898. 1892 PTLA: The Imperial Edition of Standard Poetical Works. Cloth. Full Gilt Edges. 20 vols. Full 12mo. $1.50. / All of the volumes in this new line of poets are printed from good plates, on fine paper, illustrated with 8 full-page illustrations by the best artists, and bound in a durable and tasteful style. The volumes are complete, and have biographical and critical notes when essential. These volumes will, therefore, fill the need of good editions of standard poets suitable for library or holiday use at popular prices.
Imperial Edition (cloth), 1899-1903.
Imperial Edition (padded levant), 1896-1897.
India Bamboo Edition (red line, padded), 1887-1888. See also: Bamboo Edition; Venetian Bamboo Edition.
Inlaid American Levant Edition, 1901-1902. 1901 PTLA:. Inlaid American Levant Edition. Full Gilt Edges, Round corners. Each book in a box. 20 vols., 12mo. $3.00. [Lucile only].
Landscape Edition, 1901-1902. 1901 PTLA:. The Landscape edition of Prose and Poetry. 25 volumes, with printed wrappers. 12mo. $.75. [Lucile only].
Laurel Edition, (red line, padded), 1888-1889. 1888 PTLA: The Laurel Edition (Red Line) Gilt edges, padded leather covers, handsomely embssed in black and gold designs, each volume boxed. 12mo. $2.50. [Lucile and Works].
Library Edition (cloth), 1888-1906. 1884 PTLA: Library Edition of the Poets. Printed on laid paper, gilt top, uncut edges. We have frequent calls for our “Poets” without red lines or illustrations and have, therefore, prepared the above edition, which will be found especially adapted to the wants of those desiring a neat and attractive volume for Library use. Cloth, 12mo, gilt top, uncut, laid paper, $1.50 per volume; Half Calf, gilt top, uncut, each book in a paper box, $3.00. [15 titles, Works only 1884-1885; Lucile added 1886].
1896 PTLA: Crowell's Standard Library. The best works in fiction, history, biography, and poetry, carefully selected and edited. Suitable for any library, and attractive to readers and students of the most refined tastes, at a low price. / Printed in clear, readable type, on fine English finish paper, and bound in a neat, durable style. Each volume contains a carefully printed and artistic frontispiece, adding greatly to the interest and value of the series. / Cloth, gilt top, edges slightly trimmed, with ample margins, 12mo. $1.00. [Lucile and Works].
Library Edition (half calf), 1886-1906. Limp Circuit Edition, 1899. 1899 PTLA: Limp Circuit Edition. Full gilt edges, levant grain leather. New designs on side, back, and flap, boxed. $2.50. [Lucile only]. [See also Circuit Edition above].
Limp Leather Edition, 1901-1914.
Lotus Edition, (parti-colored cloth), 1891-1894. 1891 PTLA: [New editions are:] The Lotus Series of Poets. 6 volumes. 12mo. Parti-colored Cloth, Full Gilt Side, Gilt Top, per volume, $1.50. China Silk, Parti-colored, Gilt Top, per volume, $2.00; Changeable Colored Silk, Gilt Top per volume, $2.00. Each volume boed. / An entirely new style. Each volume illustrated with a photogravure title-page and frontispiece by the best American artists, drawn specially for this series, and printed by the celebrated firm of A.W. Elson & Co. The volumes have been carefully printed on fine calendared paper, and are bound uniform with the Alhambra series [of Notable Books]. [Lucile only]. 1891 PW Sept 26, p470: "Fall Announcement of New Books" includes The Lotus Series of Poets. 6 volumes [including Lucile]. 12mo. Each volume illustrated with a photogravure titlepage and frontispiece from new designs by the best artists.
Carefully printed on good paper, and bound in original and taking styles. Price per volume, boxed, parti-colored coth, $1.50; changeable colored silk, $2.00; China silk, $2.00. [This description is repeated in the Christmas Bookshelf number under heading "Notable books for Christmas and Holiday Gifts." Address on ad is 46 East 14th St.].
Mistletoe Edition (padded), 1893. 1893 PTLA: Mistletoe Edition. Embossed padded leather covers, gilt edges, 12mo, boxed, 25 volumes. $1.75 [Lucile and Works]. [See Woodbine Edition, 1895-1896, where this illustration is used to represent one of two binding styles].
Mosaic Edition (red line, full leather), 1892-1893. 1892 PTLA: Mosaic Edition of Red Line Poets. Unique Leather Binding, Artistically Embossed, and Ornamented with Gold, with White Panel Inserted on Side. Full Leather, Gilt Edges, 48 volumes, 12mo. Each book in a box. $1.75. [Lucile and Works].
New Favorite Edition (cloth), 1900-1901; Favorite, 1902-1907.[This edition does not continue the New Favorite Illustrated Edition, 1890-1899]. 1900 PTLA: Printed on fine paper, with photogravure frontispieces, printed tissues, rubricated title pages, etc. 8vo. Cloth, gilt top, boxed $1.75.
New Favorite Edition (half calf), 1901; Favorite, 1902-1907. 1901 PTLA:. The New Favorite Edition, Half Calf. 8vo, half calf, gilt top. $3.50. [Both Lucile and Works].
New Favorite Illustrated Edition, 1890-1894, Favorite Illustrated Edition, 1885-1899. [This edition seems to overlap and continue the Favorite Illustrated Edition, 1883-1892, but not to be continued by the New Favorite Edition described immediately above]. 1891 PTLA: New Favorite Illustrated Edition. Cloth. Crown 8vo. Plain edges. 18 volumes. $2.00. With original designs by Garrett, St. John Harper, Hassam, Shelton, Shephard, Taylor, and other eminent artists. [Lucile and Works].
1892 PTLA: Cloth, square 8vo. Full Gilt Edges. 27 volumes. New Artisitic Cover Designs. Cloth Slip Wrappers. Each Book in a Cloth Box. $2.50. No expense has been spared to make this series attractive and popular. The volumes are fully illustrated by some of our best artists, including Garrett, St. John Harper, Hassam, Shelton, Shephard, Schell, Taylor, Copeland, etc. The bindings are novel and elegant, while the paper and presswork leave nothing to be desired. The series stands unrivaled by any other fine edition. (For other styles of binding see next page). [Next page has description for the Favorite Illustrated Edition, offered in cloth (see above at that entry), tree calf, Russia calf, padded Persian levant, and full Persian levant].
1893-1894 PTLA: [as 1892 in cloth and cloth slip cover, and in tree calf, gilt edges, $6.00, Russia Calf, round corners, padded covers, gilt edges, $6.00, Persian Levant, round corners, padded covers, gilt edges, $6.00; Persian Levant, $4.50].
1895-1896 PTLA: [as 1894 except described as "Favorite Illustrated Edition"].
1897-1898 PTLA: Favorite Illustrated Edition. Cloth, Square 8vo. Full Gilt Edges. 31 Vols. New Artistic Cover Designs. Each Book in a Box. $2.00. Full Persian Levant, Gilt Edges, $4.50. Tree Calf, Gilt Edges, $5.00. Russia Calf, Round Corners, Padded Covers, Gilt Edges, $5.00. Polished Calf, Gilt Edges, $6.00.
1899 PTLA: [Offered in Persian Levant and Tree Calf, neither binding illustrated].
New Favorite Illustrated Edition (full Persian Levant), 1892?-1899
Normandie Series (cloth), 1902-1904. 1902 PTLA:The Normandie Series.
Colored illustratations, elegant inlaid binding, gilt top. 20 vols., boxed, $1.00. [Lucile only]. 1902 PW Sept 27, p650: The Normandie Series, Inlaid Binding; each book $1.00.
Normandie Series (Limp Walrus), 1902-1904. 1902 PTLA: The Normandie Series, Limp Walrus, round corners, gilt edges, red under gold. Silk bookmark, boxed. $2.00. [Lucile only].
Olive Edition (padded leather), 1890-1896. 1890 PTLA: Olive Edition. 23 volumes, 12mo. $3.00. Printed on fine laid paper, gilt edges, padded embossed leather covers, round corners, rolled gold squares. Each volume boxed. [Lucile and Works].
---- 1892 Olive Edition:
Padded Grecian Morocco Edition, 1896-1904. 1896 PTLA: Padded Grecian Morocco. New and beautiful designs, gilt edges. 20 volumes, 12mo., $2.00. [Lucile and Works].
Padded Hornback Alligator, 1907, 1909-1914. 1907 PTLA: Padded Hornback Alligator. Something new in bookbinding. This leather, with its odd effects and artistic coloring, makes a novel and attractive edition. Round corners, full gilt edges, red under gold, fancy end leaves. Boxed. 20 volumes. 12mo. $2.50. [Lucile only] [See also Alligator Editon].
Padded Persian Calf, 1896-1897. 1896 PTLA: Padded Persian Calf. Beautifully printed on fine paper from clear type, with new and elegant cover designs, making one of the most attractive lines of padded poets ever produced. Gilt edges, round corners, illustrated. 17 vols., 12mo., $3.00.
Persian Leopard Edition (padded), 1885-1886. 1885 PTLA: Persian Leopard Edition of Red-Line Poets. Twenty vols. at $3.00 per vol. In new and elegant leather bindings, round corners, padded covers, each volume in a box. The neatest and most attractive line of Poets in leather bindings ever put on the market at so low a price. [Lucile and Works].
1886 PTLA: Persian Leopard Edition. Padded, Embossed, Flexible Covers, Round Corners, Full Gilt and Rolled Gold Edges. Each book in a paper box, $3.00 per volume. [Lucile and Works].
Peerless Edition (cloth), 1895. 1895 PTLA: The Peerless Edition of the Poets. Well printed on good paper, with portrait frontispiece to each volume. Attractively bound in new style. Full gilt side and back, full gilt edges. Cloth, 55 volumes, 12 mo., $1.25. [Lucile
and Works].
Portrait Edition, 1894. 1894 PTLA: The Portrait Edition of Poets. 17 volumes. Cloth. Gilt Top. 8vo. $1.75. Carefully printed on fine paper, and illustrated with numerous full-page illustrations by the best artists. Each volume contains a rubricated title-page and frontispiece portrait engraved on steel or by photogravure. The binding is strong and unusually attractive, but not showy, the distinctive feature being a beautifully executed portrait on the side of each volume. [Works only].
Premier Edition (novelty leather), 1910-1914. 1910 PTLA: Premier Edition. A new series of the poets, well-printed on good paper, from clear type, with frontispieces and specially designed title-pages. Strongly and beautifully bound in novelty leather, with neat design, gilt edges. 30 volumes. $2.00. [Lucile only].
Presentation Edition (red line, cloth), 1891.
1891 PTLA: Presentation Edition – Red Line Cloth. Beautifully printed on fine paper, bound in cloth, gilt, gilt edges. Every book put up in a neat box. $1.50. [Lucile and Works].
Presentation Edition (red line, pebble calf), 1891. 1891 PTLA: Presentation
Edition – Red Line – Pebble Calf. New style padded covers. 23 volumes. Each volume in a box. $2.50. [Lucile and Works].
Pyrogravure Series, 1903-1910. 1903 PTLA: Pyrogravure Series. A selected line of literary gems, carefully edited and printed, with wide margins, photogravure frontispieces, and
attractive title-pages. Daintily illustrated and bound in burnt leather, each book in a box. 44 vols., Gilt top, $1.75. 1903 PW Sept 26 has identical ad. [Note: Text is 460 pages (characteristic of Handy Volumes (16mos), but the only Pyrogravure 16mo identified in PTLA is the Bangalore Edition (with copies that match the PTLA cut); so this edition has been placed here (among 12mos) although it does not match the cut very well (if at all). It is a frequently seen edition.]
Red-Line Edition. [The Red Line Poets appear to grow out of the British [Standard] Poets, 1879-?, becoming relatively distinct by 1883-1884. See also, however, the British Poets entry].
1882 PTLA: [The Red Line Poets are additionally described:] Gilt Edges, Red Line Borders, Illustrated, and Elegantly Bound in new and beautiful designs… We have also purchased the entire stock of J.W. Lovell’s Printed Sheets of Poets, and as that line will not be printed this season, we are able to offer THE ONLY COMPLETE LINE OF POETS PUBLISHED IN THIS COUNTRY. / The new designs for the covers are especially attractive and in keeping with the superior quality of the paper, presswork, and binding, which combine to make this series so justly popular with the trade and the general public whose demands during the past year have severely taxed our ability to supply promptly. / We have therefore this year made extra provision to fill all orders on time, and the advance orders already received during the present dull season indicates a very great increase over the demand of last year. / We would call special attention to our new AMERICAN TREE CALF BINDING, which will prove an attractive feature, and are offered at very low rates.
1883 PW 22 Sept, p367: The only complete line of poets published in this country. Crowell's Red-Line Poets. 50 volumes. 12mo. Per volume $1.25. Gilt edges, red-line borders, illustrated, and bound in beautiful designs. We add this year to the series [5 titles, Other Volumes in preparation]. The designs for the covers are especially attractive, and in keeping with the superior quality of paper, presswork, and binding, which combine to make this series so popular with the trade and the general public, whose demands during the past year have severely taxed our ability to supply the demand. / We would call special attention to our new American Tree Calf Bindings which will prove an attractive feature, and are offered at very low rates. [Title list follows]. The above are also furnished with plain edges, not illustrated, at $1.00 per volume. Those marked with an asterisk (*) [including Lucile and Works] furnished in American tree calf at $4 per volume.
1884 PTLA: Red Line Poets. 59 volumes. 12mo. Per volume, $1.25. Gilt Edges, Red Line Borders, Illustrated, and Elegantly Bound in New and Beautiful Designs. / The designs for the covers are new and especially attractive, and in keeping with the superior quality of paper, presswork, and binding, which have made this series so popular with the trade and the general public that “Crowell’s Red Line Poets” are acknowledged by all dealers to be far superior to any other line in the market. / We would call special attention to our new Alligator Leather Bindings which will prove an attractive feature, and are offered at very low rates. $3.00 [Lucile and Works].
1885 PTLA: Red Line Poets. 66 volumes. $1.25. [As 1884, Lucile and Works offered in Alligator Leather ($2.50) and Half Russia, Marbled Edges, not Illustrated ($1.00)].
1887 Red Line Poets: 1887 PTLA: Red-Line Poets. 72 volumes. [As 1884; India Bamboo, Seal Russia, Embossed Calf, and American Half Russia editions also described. Lucile and Works offered in all]. [Cut here is reproduced from an advertisement page in the 1888 Laurel Edition].
T. Y. Crowell & Co., Boston and New York. Red Line Poets.“THE shelves of this enterprising firm are literally crowded with novelties in fine bindings. Their embossed leather covers in imitation of bamboo matwork are strikingly attractive and original. The centre panel of the cover contains a bark pattern, which is surrounded by a wide border of very cleverly executed embossed work, simulating bamboo sticks placed close together. The padded covers in Russia calf or Turkey morocco, with round corners and rolled-gold edges, are very rich and elegant.
On page 37 will be found a reproduction of an entirely new cover-design intended for this firm's "Red Line Poets," of which it issues sixty-six volumes, 12mo, full gilt, on tinted paper, with heavy, red page-borders. The superior quality of binding for which this house is so favorably known is manifest to the most casual observer. The cloth made use of in this series is of extra quality, running through all of the popular colors of the day. The title on the upper cover and back is stamped in gold, and gives the book a pleasing finish. All in all, the new bindings of this house evince the presence of an alert craft-spirit and excellent taste in book interiors and exteriors.-- The American Bookmaker III-2 (August 1886) p38.
1888 Red Line Poets: 1888 PTLA: Crowell's Poets. The various attractive styles of binding in which the numerous editions of this well known series are now published, together, with the superior quality of paper and presswork, and the remarkably low prices, enables us to supply all readers with just the edition desired, whether for school use, family libraries, or holiday gifts. The following list give the styles of binding and prices of the various editions. [All pictured; Lucile and Works also offered in Seal Russia, $2.50]. 1888 PTLA: Red-Line Edition. Red Line borders, illustrated, and elegantly bound in new and beautiful designs. Cloth, gilt edges, 12mo. $1.25. [Lucile and Works].
1890 Red Line Poets: 1890 PTLA: Red Line Edition [pictured in new binding].
1892 Red Line Poets: 1892 PTLA: [pictured in new binding].
1893 Red Line Poets: 1893 PTLA: [pictured in new binding].
Red Line Poets, after 1893:
Riviera Edition (padded novelty leather), 1909-1910. 1909 PTLA: Riviera Edition. A new series of the poets, well printed on good paper, from clear type, with frontispieces and specially designed title-pages. Strongly and beautifully bound in novelty padded style, with neat design, gilt top. 30 volumes. $1.25. [Lucile only].
Roman Edition,1899-1901. 1899 PTLA: Roman leathr, full gilt edges, boxed. Per vol., $2.00. [Lucile only, in series of 20 titles].
Russian Morocco Poets,1904-1905. 1904 PTLA: Crowell’s Poets. Russian Morocco. Round corners, full gilt edges, red under gold, new leather padded covers, fancy end leaves. Each book in a box. Twenty volumes. $2.00. [Lucile and Works]. 1904 PW Sep 24: Crowell's Poets Russian Morocco. Bound in full padded morocco, with round corners, full gilt edges, red under gold, and fancy end leaves.
Seal Russia Edition, (padded), 1886-1888. 1886 PTLA: Seal Russia Edition. Padded Covers, Full Gilt Edges. Very neat and attractive style. In Box, $2.50 per volume. [Lucile and Works].
Selwyn Edition, 1909-1912. 1909 PTLA: Selwyn Edition. The most popular poets, finely printed, with frontispieces, rubricated titles, bound in new style. 12mo. $.75. [Lucile and Works].
Sparrow Edition, (padded leather), 1889. 1889 PTLA: Sparrow Edition. 22 volumes. 12mo. $3.00. Printed on fine laid paper, gilt edges, padded embossed leather covers, round corners, rolled gold squares. Each volume boxed. [Lucile and Works].
Three Quarters Crushed Morocco, 1904-1907. 1904 PTLA: Crowell’s Poets. Three Quarters Crushed Morocco. Bound in brown crushed morocco with marbled paper sides and end leaves to match. Each book in a box. Twenty volumes. 12mo. Gilt top. $1.75. [Lucile and Works]. 1904 PW Sep 24: Crowell's Poets Crushed Morocco. Bound in three-quarters crushed morocco of brown shade, with marbled sides, and end leaves to match.
Touraine Edition (padded ooze calf), 1903-1905.
1903 PTLA: Touraine Edition. Padded Ooze Calf. Twenty volumes. 12mo. Round corners, gilt edges, red under gold. Each book in a box. $1.75. [Lucile and Works]. 1903 PW Sept 26: The Touraine Edition of Poets. Padded Ooze Calf. Twenty volumes. 12mo. Round corners, gilt edges, red under gold. Each book in a box. Per vol., $1.75 [illustrated].
University Edition, 1897-1900. 1897 PTLA: The University Edition. A new line of standard poets for library and school use. The special features of the series are clear type, accurate text, valuable notes, biographical introductions, photogravure portraits, and strong
tasteful bindings. 12mo., cloth, gilt top, $1.50.
Venetian Bamboo Edition, 1891-1892. 1890 PTLA: Venetian Bamboo Edition. 30 volumes, 12mo. Padded Covers. $2.00. Red line borders, gilt edges, padded leather covers, embossed in black and gold designs. Each volume boxed. [Lucile and Works]. See also Bamboo Edition; India Bamboo Edition.
Violet Edition, 1905-1907. 1905 PTLA: Violet Edition. Printed on good paper, with frontispieces, rubricated title-pages, beautifully bound, in colors from new deigns, with floral insets. $.75. [Lucile only].
Westminster Edition, (half decorated cloth), 1894-1902. 1894 PTLA: The Westminster Edition of Poets. 25 volumes, 12mo. $1.25. / New Cover Design, beautifully decorated in white, gold, and colors, full gilt edges. Each book in a box with printed wrappers. [Lucile and Works].
Wild Rose Edition, (extra cloth), 1887-1890. 1887 PTLA: “Wild Rose” Edition. Printed on laid paper, bound in Extra Cloth, with Gilt Edges and an Elegant Wild Rose design in Red and Gold on the cover, making a tasteful and appropriate Gift Book of new and unique style. Cloth, 12mo. Gilt Edges, Laid Paper, Fancy Cover. 27 volumes, $2.00 per volume. [Lucile and Works].
Windermere Edition (padded leather), 1906-1907, 1909-1911. 1906 PTLA: Windermere Edition. The most popular poets, finely printed, with frontispieces, rubricated titles, bound in new padded leather styles, assorted colors. Round corners, gilt edges, red under gold, fancy end leaves. Each book in a box. 20 volumes. 12mo. $2.00. [Lucile and Works].
Woodbine Edition, 1889-1905. 1889-1894 PTLA: Woodbine Edition. 37 volumes. 12mo. $1.50. Gilt edges, padded leather covers, hansomely embossed. Each volume boxed. [Lucile and Works]. 1905-1918: see New Woodbine Edition.
Woodbime Edition, prior to 1895-1896 PTLA cuts: Several copies with inscriptions dated 1892 and 1893 have been seen.
1895-1896 PTLA: [See also Mistletoe Edition, where illustration on the right is used to represent the binding design].
1897-1898 PTLA:
1899-1901 PTLA:
1902-1905 PTLA:
New Woodbine Edition, 1905-1918. 1905-1906 PTLA: New Woodbine Edition. New leathers, new designs, new end leaves, new box, full gilt edges; red under gold, round corners, 12mo. 46 vols., $1.50. [Lucile and Works].
1907-1918 PTLA:
Copies not identified to an edition named in PTLA:
Last revised: 13 January 2024
Favorite Illustrated Edition (Full Persian Levant), 1891-1892
Favorite Illustrated Edition (Padded Persian Levant), 1890-1892
Favorite Illustrated Edition (Padded Russia Calf), 1886-1890
Favorite Illustrated Edition (tree calf), 1884-1890
Favorite Illustrated Edition (Turkey morocco), 1886-1890
1894-1906 PTLA: 24 volumes, 12mo. $1.00. Half Calf, $3.00. Library Edition, printed on fine paper, cloth, gilt top. Especially adapted to the wants of those desiring a neat and attractive edition for library use. [Lucile and Works.
Lotus Edition, (China silk), 1891-1894.
Lotus Edition, (changeable colored silk), 1891. [Moire silk, gold stamped border: see detail file].
New Favorite (full levant), 1900-1901.
New Favorite (tree calf), 1900-1901; Favorite, 1903.
New Favorite Illustrated Edition (padded levant), 1894-1896
[New] Favorite Illustrated Edition (polished calf), 1897-1898
New Favorite Illustrated Edition (padded Russia calf), 1892?-1898
New Favorite Illustrated Edition (tree calf), 1892?-1899
