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South East Asian Art and Antiques, & Antiquarian, Rare and Collectable books
South East Asian Art and Antiques, & Antiquarian, Rare and Collectable books
The Poets and Poetry of Scotland; From the Earliest to the Present Time, in Four Half Volumes complete, 1876

The Poets and Poetry of Scotland; From the Earliest to the Present Time, in Four Half Volumes complete, 1876

$255.00
SKU LAN8859

The Poets and Poetry of Scotland; From the Earliest to the Present Time. Comprising Characteristic Selectionds from the Works of the More noteworthy Scottish Poets, with Biographical and Critical Notices. Illustrated with Portraits Engraved on Steel. By James Grant Wilson. In Four Half Volumes complete.

This set was printed on 'fine toned' paper and included twenty-four steel engraved portraits, and two vignette title pages printed in colour.

Published by Blackie & Son, London, Glasgow & Edinburgh. Only Half Vol. III has a listed date of 1877, but we believe the first two half volumes were from 1876, but this is not stated. This is the first edition of this complete set - and was the most deluxe version of the publication, known as 'cloth elegant', with gilt edges to text block. Purchasers could also choose to have a cheaper version without gilt, or buy in 12 parts for which they could arrange their own preferred binding. Hence they could choose to make two larger volume books, or 4 'half volumes' as they wished.

A near fine set of red decorated cloth hardback bindings with gilt and black embossed decals. A handsome set of attractive volumes. With bumping to corners and head and tail of spines. With a few light markings and scuffs to red cloth.

All 3 edges of text block are gilt and retain their bright sheen. Half Vol. II has the edge of one plate protruding slightly. The plain yellow endpapers with offset edge discoloration and just beginning to crack in a few small areas.

Text is bright and clean throughout with very occasional light marginal spot. The plates are also in lovely bright condition, with very light offsetting on the guards.

Text in English.

Half Vol I: 4pp + Prelims + xiv + 1pp + 272pp + Plates;

Half Vol II: viii + 273-559pp + Plates;

Half Vol III: xvi + 256pp + Plates;

Half Vol IV: viii + 257-560pp + Plates.

Approximate dimensions: Each volume 226mm high x 162mmcm wide x 32mm deep.

Weighs approximately 3.6kg (the set - unpacked).