Leaves from the Journal of Our Life signed by Queen Victoria first illus. 1868

VICTORIA, Queen; HELPS, Arthur. Leaves from the Journal of Our Life in the Highlands, from 1848 to 1861.
 
London, Smith, Elder, and Co., 1868.
 
Large 4to (310 x 260 mm). xvii, [iii], 198 pp. Illustrated with 8 steel-engraved plates and 2 chromolithographic plates with guards, and numerous vignette illustrations throughout (complete: 69 as called for). Original publisher's red cloth, richly gilt-blocked upper cover with central stag vignette within an elaborate decorative framework incorporating thistles and putti, spine gilt; rear board with blind-stamped panel. A notably bright and well-preserved example of this highly decorative Victorian publisher's binding. A very good copy. Some exposure of webbing internally, though the textblock remains firm. Light bleed from the red cloth to the upper corner of the final c.30 leaves. Small faded patch/mark to upper board; otherwise the binding unusually fresh for a book of this size and period.
 
Half-title inscribed in ink: "To the Rt Hon H. C. Raikes from Victoria, Palace Aug: 27 1889."
 
A presentation copy from Queen Victoria to Henry Cecil Raikes (1838-1891), then serving as Postmaster General and cabinet minister in government, formerly Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons. 
 
The work itself - drawn from the Queen's private journals and edited by Arthur Helps - was central to the cultivation of the Balmoral mythos, presenting the monarchy in a carefully constructed light of domestic virtue, Highland retreat, and sporting life. It played a significant role in shaping Victorian perceptions of the royal family. Presentation copies of this work are uncommon.