Great Events by Famous Historians, 2 of 100, Ornate Historical CLOTH Bindings

Great Events by Famous Historians

23 Volumes – Complete Collection

National Alumni, 1904 

Signed Limited Edition, 2 of 100

***Please Note – These are NOT Leather Bindings***

This is a beautiful 23 volume signed limited edition collection of “Great Events by Famous Historians” published by National Alumni, London in 1904 with a limitation of 100 this being number 2.  This is the complete, deluxe edition, issued the year before all of the many subsequent editions issued over the years and to the present day. The bindings of each volume are of a different colored cloth, but are uniform in their design. All are ornately decorated in gilt on the spines and front covers, and blind-stamped on the rear covers. The binding of each volume is a facsimile of the binding of an important book from the period of history with which that volume is concerned. Each binding is unique and every volume contains an explanation of the significance of that volume's binding; they are generally reproductions of royal bindings. Every Monarch - and often even members of the Nobility - had each of the books in their library in bindings bearing marks of their privilege. Each volume contains a colored frontis page which is protected by an onion skin tissue guard. From the editor: “The Great Events by Famous Historians is a comprehensive and readable account of the world's history, emphasizing the more important events, and presenting these as complete narratives in the master-words of the most eminent historians ... with thorough indices, bibliographies, chronologies, and courses of reading.” The books are arranged in chronological order starting with volume 1 at 5867 BC with the last book ending in 541AD.

Each book measures approximately 9.5” x 6.75” and is a bound in ornate cloth covered boards. The top page edges of the volumes are gilt with the fore-edges and bottom edges being deckle-edged. The collection was made for Dr. Valentine J. Bold of Jefferson Medical College as attested to and signed by Rossiter Johnson, Secretary of the publisher, National Alumni, London. Each volume contains the bookplate of Dr. Bold indicating that this is an original collection that has not been pieced together. The limitation page states this is collection number 2 of 100.

The condition of the exterior of the books ranges from Very Good to Near FINE with the usual issues associated with a 100 year old collection including some generalized shelf wear, soiling, and sunning to the spines. The internals are in Near FINE condition with strong bindings and clean text. Overall, this is a beautiful collection that will enhance any home library.

Photographs of the signature and limitation page as well as the bindings in the collection appear below. Please note that although the photographs appear digitized as thumbnails, they are viewable in the photo viewer by clicking the thumbnail.