Praeterita Outlines of Scenes and Thoughts perhaps worthy of Memory in my Past Life Vellum - 1900

London: George Allen, 1900. Vellum. Near Fine. 9.5" by 6" . Not Stated . The second edition of John Ruskin's remarkable autobiographical work in three beautiful vellum bound volumes. A remarkable work by John Ruskin, complete in three volumes. A highly personal, selective, and eloquent account of parts of his life. Originally published in 1885-9 while suffering of sudden attacks of brain fever, it provides a fascinating insight into the famous author's upbringing in a respectable Victorian household, accounts of his Continental travels, friends, relations, and the development of his aesthetic tastes, much celebrated to this day.  The preface was written by Ruskin in his childhood nursery at Herne Hill.The second edition of this work, published int he same year as the author's death. It is considered to be his last great work. Illustrated with a frontispiece to each volume, and a further plate to vol. III frontispiece to 'Dilecta: Correspondence, Diary Notes, and Extracts from Books'. Collated, complete. With half titles. In striking uniform half vellum bindings. John Ruskin was an influential Victorian figure in English culture. He was a prolific author on subjects as varied as geology, architecture, myth, ornithology, literature, education, botany and political economy. In all of his writing, he emphasised the connections between nature, art and society.Title pages for chapters from the original edition are bound in to rear. Index to rear vol. III. Rebound in uniform half vellum bindings over marbled boards. Externally lovely with only light marks to spine. Internally, firmly bound. Light minor spotting to odd leaf, pages otherwise bright and clean. Near Fine