Otherworld Mythology in the Arthurian Legend by Rev. H. Bhuchanan Riley, M.A.

Publication: 1907 Privately Printed at Philpott’s Library ‘Press’, Surbiton

A private printing hardbound by “Phillpott’s Library Press” in Surbiton neighborhood of South West London. The press was carried on by the family of bookbinder Thomas Philpott, founder of the famed Surrey Comet, after his passing. Philpott is described as a thoroughly practical printer with an artists eye to the beauties of his profession, he was already noted for the quality of his printing of every description and bookbinding in all its branches.

The author, Harold Buchanan Ryley, was a beloved headmaster of Emanual School who died in 1917 while serving during the Great War (1914-18). The former headmaster was not only a scholar, but a talented musician, gifted poet, committed patriot and inspiring leader. Ryley spent a few years in the U.S.Among his personal achievements were a setting to music of Rudyard Kiplings Recessional, adopted as one of the school songs, and an introduction to Alfred, Lord Tennysons Earlier Poems, published in 1910.

The present book was published in 1907, which was the same year that a new school library was built.

Besides the intriguing origin, there are no known institutional holdings for this title. The rear reference page lists books consulted; The Legend of Sir Gawain, J.L. Weston (1901), Legends of the Holy Grail, A. Nutt., and other classic mythological reference works.

No institutional holdings. Rare!

Condition: Green morocco flexible boards, marbled end papers torn at gutters (binding unaffected), dual ribbon markers still present, gilt edges, decorated inner edge, discoloration on spine and edges, printed paper watermarked “Royal Nonpareil Wove” paper, overall in Very Good condition

Rerefernces:

https://www.wandsworthhistory.org.uk/historian/articles/ryley.pdf

https://www.surreycomet.co.uk/comet150/souringahead/