Small 8vo (6 1/8 x 4 1/8 in.; 155 x 105mm). White satin over boards, covers with variant flowers and leaves in blue, pink, and red silk, silver and gold wire flowers, spine divided into four compartments, first with title in blue silk, others with stylized stars in green silk, all edges gilt, green silk endleaves; some fraying to white satin near edges of boards. [with]: 'Novum Testamentum [repeated in Greek]'. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1880. 8vo (5 7/8 x 4 1/4 in.; 150 x 108mm). Text in Greek, with introduction and side-notes in Latin. White watered silk over boards, covers with variant flowers and leaves in blue, pink, purple, and green silk, silver and gold wire flowers and rules with faux seed pearl detailing, spine with four compartments, the first with cross, the others with symbols of Christ in purple silk, all edges gilt, green silk endleaves, endpaper inscribed by John Ruskin in sepia ink. 

At one point 'Novum Testamentum' was presented to a previous owner by a member of the Cadbury family. It is likely that Ruskin and George Cadbury would have known each other, and moved in similar social circles. Cadbury greatly admired Ruskin, and in 1903 named Bourneville's new school of arts and crafts Ruskin Hall. 

Small 8vo (6 1/8 x 4 1/8 in.; 155 x 105mm). White satin over boards, covers with variant flowers and leaves in blue, pink, and red silk, silver and gold wire flowers, spine divided into four compartments, first with title in blue silk, others with stylized stars in green silk, all edges gilt, green silk endleaves; some fraying to white satin near edges of boards. [with]: 'Novum Testamentum [repeated in Greek]'. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1880. 8vo (5 7/8 x 4 1/4 in.; 150 x 108mm). Text in Greek, with introduction and side-notes in Latin. White watered silk over boards, covers with variant flowers and leaves in blue, pink, purple, and green silk, silver and gold wire flowers and rules with faux seed pearl detailing, spine with four compartments, the first with cross, the others with symbols of Christ in purple silk, all edges gilt, green silk endleaves, endpaper inscribed by John Ruskin in sepia ink.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot provided by Sotheby's. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colours and shades which are different to the lot's actual colour and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation because Sotheby's is not a professional conservator or restorer but rather the condition report is a statement of opinion genuinely held by Sotheby's. For that reason, Sotheby's condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot.

Exquisitely bound copies of an popular Victorian work on Buddhism, and the New Testament in Greek Remarkable examples of late Victorian needlework bindings in excellent condition, touchingly inscribed by John Ruskin on the endpaper ("much admired by yours truly John Ruskin, 25 June 1893") near the end of his life, when he'd given up writing due to his failing health. The binding is the work of Helen Margaret Dixon, and the volumes were sent to Ruskin at Brantwood, and shown to him by his cousin and Joan Severn.  Helen Margaret Dixon was the daughter of George Dixon, a prominent businessman who served as MP for Birmingham. Helen Margaret wrote several collections of children's stories, and at some point in her life took holy orders, becoming a Sister of the Order of Saint Dominic.

Stunning volumes with a wonderful provenance