superb Regency binding

An exceptionally handsome set of this stalwart of the traditional library, with finely engraved illustrations.

Third edition; 3 vols, 8vo (235 x 155 mm); 135 engraved illustrations (indexed), the one on p. 17 printed on blue paper, as usual, the occasional spot or mottling, more so to preliminary leaves but in the main very good; contemporary full red straight-grained morocco gilt, double-panelled boards, the inner one enclosing a crosshatched panel of florets, blind framed with a Greek key outer border, ribbed spines gilt and blind, gilt dentelles, all edges gilt, bumping to corners and rubbing to extremities but firm and unrestored.