Alfred Austin (1835–1913) was a writer and poet. He wrote for many years for the Conservative paper The Standard, and held the position of Poet Laureate from 1896 until his death in 1913.

Bound by Zaehnsdorf in black calfskin with a gold-tooled 'VM' (Victoria Mary, Princess of Wales, later Queen Mary) on the front board. Inscribed to her by Alfred Austin, the Poet Laureate from 1896 to 1913: "To Her Royal Highness Victoria Mary Princess of Wales, with the dutiful homage, and profound respect of the author, April 1902".