A lovely example in contemporary tree calf of the first edition of these four posthumously published biographical essays by J.B. Bowling (1813-1878), Regius Professor of Divinity at the University of Oxford.

With an interesting Eton College association for the son of the Liberal MP Richard Fothergill, presented to: 'Sydney R. Fothergill, who promised to read it, from his long suffering Tutor, Arthur Coleridge James, July 29 1880' / 'On being sent up for good the 6th time'.

First edition; 8vo (22 x 14.5 cm); bookplate to front pastedown, presentation inscription to front free endpapers, occasional light spotting; contemporary tree calf gilt, gilt spine in 6 compartments, contrasting red morocco lettering-piece, marbled edges, minor wear to extremities, very slightly cockled, near fine; [2], 442pp.