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Gothic Books

GOTHIC STYLE

The Gothic Revival movement (also called Victorian Gothic or Neo-Gothic) emerged in Britain in the 1740s, and reached its height in the late-19th century. The style is characterized by such decorative flourishes as pointed arches, floral details, finials, heraldic motifs and linenfold carving. The movement was rooted in religious and social conservatism. Its proponents, who included Charles Barry and A.W.N. Pugin, the architects of London’s Houses of Parliament (designed in 1840), believed that the art and architecture of the Middle Ages were authentically spiritual and inherently moral.

In the United States, the Gothic Revival movement shaped both public buildings and private houses. Numerous American schools were built in the early-19th century in a style now called Collegiate Gothic. Many builders and craftsmen were inspired by Andrew Jackson Downing’s widely read 1850 book Architecture for Country Houses, which posited that a family’s home should exemplify their values — and that the Gothic Revival style was particularly well-suited to scholars and clergymen. Furniture with detailing that mirrored that of Gothic Revival buildings appeared in the same period. Such pieces typically feature dark, intricately carved wood, and upholstery in velvet or leather.

Much like the castle or cathedral that inspired it, a Gothic Revival chair makes a bold design statement. And while you probably don’t have to cross a moat or raise a portcullis to get through your front door, a Gothic Revival piece might make a statement that your home is indeed your castle.

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Style: Gothic
Edward F. Caldwell Gothic Style Jeweled Champleve Enamel Antique Folio Cover
Located in New York, NY
A very rare, fine large Edward F. Caldwell jeweled champleve enamel folio cover in the High Gothic Style. The central panel depicting a King on a white horse holding a large orb with a snake symbol, surrounded by exquisitely detailed Gothic heraldic elements and jeweled embellishments. Burgundy velvet lined interior, retaining original leather backing and spine, wear commensurate with age, ideal for a museum or private collection. Measurements: 13.63 inches high, 11 inches wide, 1 inch deep Condition: the enamel panel is in excellent condition, age appropriate wear to velvet, leather and interior pages. Please note, the enamel panel may be removed and mounted on a modern folio if desired. This piece may be framed or displayed as a decorative panel on a stand Edward F. Caldwell & Co was established in 1895 in New York City at 31 East 17th Street and quickly became one of the premier designers and manufacturers of fine lighting and decorative objects. Their commissions included J.P. Morgan's residence, Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Vanderbilt Mansion, Henry Clay Frick residence, Harvard Club...
Category

Early 20th Century American Gothic Books

Materials

Enamel

Tuscany Bonechi Art and History Series Paperback 1993
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Tuscany Bonechi Art and History Series Paperback. Discover Tuscany's rich history, monuments and artwork with this beautiful volume from Bonechi. Its detailed texts and superb histor...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Gothic Books

Materials

Paper

Related Items
Unique Small Size & Quality Hand Carved Tiger Oak Gothic Revival Chest, 1920
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning and practical size, multi purpose Gothic chest / box from a monastery. This here Gothic chest is one of the smallest yet most stylish we ever had the pleasure of offering. ...
Category

Early 20th Century French Gothic Books

Materials

Wrought Iron

Rooms with a History Interiors and Their Inspirations
Located in New York, NY
Inspirational and visually on trend, Ashley Hicks's latest work is a pattern book for the 21st century. Offering insights and revelations, Hicks's own exquisitely quirky and colorful historicist interiors are discussed with designs from the recent and faraway past. Ashley Hicks has created a mix of manifesto, souvenir album, and confession in this collection of noteworthy rooms--featuring his own one-of-a-kind interiors along with rooms that have inspired him. The manifesto aspect is rather limited, since Hicks is not a great believer in aesthetic rules or the value of so-called good taste, but as a souvenir album, it charts Hicks's personal creative journey of the last few years, illustrated with photographs of some favorite historical interiors and objects that represent a mixture of source material and inspiration. The book's twelve chapters reveal Hicks's creative process, how he approaches different themes in his own interiors, furniture designs, and works of art, and how these themes can be applied to the works of others. Such subjects as flowers, color, layers, form, pattern, and memory are presented in the context of actual projects. Historical and recent interiors are discussed for their decorative value--notable rooms and architecture include the Pantheon in Rome; Emperor Maximilian's tomb in Innsbruck; the Royal Pavilion, Brighton; and the Petit Trianon at Versailles. Hicks has created a book for devotees of decorating and the history of interior design. About the author Ashley Hicks is a British author, architect, interior and furniture designer, and photographer. He is the son of Lady Pamela Hicks and the legendary decorator David Hicks. His personal Instagram profile has amassed over 200,000 followers. Christian Louboutin is a celebrated French shoe designer.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Gothic Books

Materials

Paper

Antique Lifesize Crowned Mother Mary and Child Jesus Gothic Revival Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
Hand carved wood antique statue of Mother Mary wearing a Gothic crown. This original and all hand carved sculpture of the mother of all mothers is anothe...
Category

Early 20th Century European Gothic Books

Materials

Wood

Antique Gothic Revival Harp by Erard
Located in London, GB
Antique Gothic Revival harp by Erard French, c. 1880 Height 178cm, width 54cm, depth 91cm Of typical form by the famed instrument maker Érard. ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Gothic Books

Materials

Brass

Antique Gothic Revival Harp by Erard
Antique Gothic Revival Harp by Erard
H 70.08 in W 21.26 in D 35.83 in
Majolica: A Complete History and Illustrated Survey, Book by Karmason & Stacke
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Majolica: A Complete History and Illustrated Survey, by Marilyn Karmason & Joan Stacke – Updated and Expanded edition, 2002. Out of Print. The first major work on the field, a com...
Category

Early 2000s American Gothic Books

Materials

Paper

An Architectural Model of a Gothic Pinnacle France
Located in Chonburi, TH
This architectural model is a stunning representation of a Gothic pinnacle from France, standing at an impressive height of 51 cm. Crafted with meticul...
Category

19th Century French Antique Gothic Books

Materials

Oak

Antique Early Romanesque Gothic Architectural Tabernacle Niche Door
Located in Forney, TX
A scarce antique ecclesiastical architectural hand carved and painted wooden church - cathederal tabernacle door. 18th century or earlier, early Medieval European Romanesque Gothic style, facade with elaborate arched header atop partial quartfoil, hinged tabernacle door panel which would have opened to important religious niche...
Category

18th Century European Antique Gothic Books

Materials

Wood

Designing History the Extraordinary Art & Style of the Obama White House
Located in New York, NY
The long-awaited insider's look at one of the design milestones of the twenty-first century: Michael S Smith's celebrated decoration of the Obama White House, featuring a foreword by Michelle Obama. Created for design enthusiasts, political aficionados, and students of Americana, Designing History...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Gothic Books

Materials

Paper

Antique 14K Gold And Jeweled Articulated Snake Bracelet
Located in Norwood, NJ
Art Deco jeweled 14k gold, diamond, Jade and amethyst enameled and articulated bracelet in the form of a snake. 8 rose cut diamonds. Jade and amethyst cabochons with multicolored en...
Category

Early 20th Century European Gothic Books

Materials

Amethyst, Jade, Gold, Enamel

"Pablo Picasso Retrospective" Paperback Book - Museum of Modern Art, New York
Located in San Diego, CA
"Pablo Picasso Retrospective" Paperback Book - Museum of Modern Art, New York, circa 1980s. The book is in good condition with no torn or missing pages and is 464 pages with hundreds...
Category

Late 20th Century American Gothic Books

Materials

Paper

Italian Medieval Gothic Carved Stone Saint Statue
Located in Buisson, FR
Beautiful weathered hand carved stone medieval statue depicting a Saint . Italy 16th century. Weathered, small losses and old repair. H:51cm W:18cm D:13cm
Category

16th Century Italian Antique Gothic Books

Materials

Stone

1970 A History of Magic and Experimental Science
By Lynn Thorndike
Located in Bath, GB
The scarce eight volume 1970 edition of Lynn Thorndike's fascinating history of 'Magic and Experimental Science', with five volumes retaining the exceptionally scarce original glassi...
Category

1970s American Vintage Gothic Books

Materials

Paper

Previously Available Items
Frankenstein; or The Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley, Later Printing, 1891
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein; or The Modern Prometheus. London: George Routledge and Sons, 1891. 12mo. Rebound in 1/.4 black leather and green marble...
Category

1890s English Antique Gothic Books

Materials

Leather, Paper

Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights by Charlotte and Emily Brontë, Two Vol Set, 1943
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Brontë, Charlotte. Jane Eyre. [and] Brontë, Emily. Wuthering Heights. New York: Random House, 1943. Two-Volume Collectors Set. Woodcut Illustrations ...
Category

1940s American Vintage Gothic Books

Materials

Paper

Gothic Ornamented Leather Bound Album for Photographs
Located in Hanover, MA
An empty silver clasp bound album for your photographs, apparently unused, from the Fine 19th century Brussels stationers, M. Myin, Maroquinerie et Papeterie, 21 Rue Royal Bruxelles....
Category

1890s Belgian Antique Gothic Books

Materials

Leather

Illuminated Manuscript Book of Hours 15th Century.
Located in Antwerp, BE
Illuminated manuscripts, Book of Hours and book of prayer, Originating from possibly the archdiocese of Rouen (calendar), Convolute, organised i...
Category

18th Century and Earlier French Antique Gothic Books

Gothic books for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Gothic books for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage books created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include more furniture and collectibles, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with animal skin, leather and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Gothic books made in a specific country, there are Europe, Belgium, and England pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original books, popular names associated with this style include and Edward F. Caldwell & Co.. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for books differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,600 and tops out at $15,000 while the average work can sell for $3,250.

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