In the Key of Blue and Other Prose Essays

by John Addington Symonds

London: Elkins Mathews & John Lane

1893

First Edition

Octavo, ii, 302 pages plus adverts, publisher's original cream cloth covered boards, ornately lettered and decorated in gilt. Later issues of this work were bound in blue cloth. Top edge gilt. Many of the pages remain uncut and unopened. Some discoloration and fraying to spine, a piece of the backstrip is partially detached, corners bumped, some minor rubbing, else in good + condition.

"In the Key of Blue and Other Prose Essays" by John Addington Symonds is a captivating collection that exemplifies Symonds' talent for combining aesthetic reflection with profound personal insight. Published in 1893, the book delves into themes of art, beauty, and nature, often through vivid descriptions of landscapes and cultural observations from Symonds' travels. The titular essay, "In the Key of Blue," stands out for its exploration of the emotional resonance of colors and the nature of beauty. Symonds' lyrical prose and intellectual depth shine throughout the collection, offering readers a blend of literary criticism, philosophical musings, and introspective reflections. This work not only highlights Symonds' scholarly engagement with classical and contemporary literature but also his ability to evoke the sensory and emotional experiences that art and nature inspire.

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