First Edition - Ruined abbeys and castles of Great Britain, by William and Mary Howitt, London: A.W. Bennett, 1862. First edition, bound by Westleys & Co. London. This beautiful book has an elaborate front and back hard covers in very faded blue cloth, stamped in gold with original circular albumen prints on front and back. There is some wear to the head and foot of the spine, page edges are gilt. Some lightly scattered foxing on some of the pages but it is all intact. Internally very good. First free paper is slightly loose. There is also a beautiful inscription to the previous owner on the pastedown of the front cover with the date February 8th 1862 which all adds to the history of this important book .See photo. This book is important enough for the V&A to have two copies in their library, a true gem. Contents: Bolton priory. -- Glastonbury abbey. -- Iona, or Icolmkill. -- Lanthony abbey. -- Chepstow castle. -- Tintern abbey. -- Raglan castle. -- Conway and its castle. -- Goodri