“Laurus Nobilis” is an 1909 collection of essays on the subject of aestheticism written by Vernon Lee. Contents "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 “The Prince of the Hundred 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.