MG is Mary Gladstone (23 November 1847 – 1 January 1927) the cultured daughter of the former Prime minister William Ewart Gladstone, was a constant visitor to Burne-Jones's studio throughout the 1880s. She was known for hosting important musical salons and this book cover was made for her. A letter that accompanied the gift began "My Dear Miss Galdstone, Lo Thy little book - and bear to use it - will make it better & the colours are dry and no harm will happen to it" and concludes "... it ought to be better but was meant with all my heart to please thee."