“Laurus Nobilis” is an 1909 collection of essays on the subject of aestheticism written by Vernon Lee. Contents include: “The Use of Beauty”, “’Nisi Citharam’”, “Higher Harmonies”, “Beauty and Sanity”, “The Art and the Country Tuscan Notes”, “Art and Usefulness”, and “Wasteful Pleasures”. A fantastic collection of interesting essays that will appeal to those with an interest in aesthetics and related subjects. Violet Paget (1856–1935), also known under the pseudonym Vernon Lee, was a French-born British writer famous for her supernatural fiction and contributions to the field of aesthetics. She also wrote more than a dozen books on a variety of subjects ranging from music to travel, and today she is best remembered for her original ideas and amusing use of irony. Other notable works by this author include: “The Prince of the Hundred Soups: A Puppet Show in Narrative” (1883), “The Countess of Albany” (1884), and “Miss Brown” (1884). Read & Co. Books is proudly republishing this classic collection of essays now in a new edition complete with a dedication by Amy Levy.