There are 15 volumes in this complete set, published by Chez Michaud Freres, in Paris. The set includes a fold out map in volume one of Europe (from Spain to India).
It is a handsome set, bound in very fine "tree calf" leather (so named because the grain of the leather resembles the grain of a tree). The spines are divided into compartments by five gilt tooled bands. Inside four compartments are a gilt tooled sword and dagger crossed. The remaining two compartments hold the title and number plates and are covered in crimson red Morocco leather. The bottom of each spine has a wide hand tooled gilt band of leaves and urns. The end papers are of marbled paper. Each volume has a hand tooled gilt frame along the binding edges (a zig-zag pattern).
The text presents the history of Rome by Titus Livius (59 BC – AD 17), who was known as Livy in English. He was a Roman historian who wrote a monumental history of Rome and the Roman people. It is a classic text, much loved by students of history. The text is in the French language. There is an armorial bookplate in the front endpaper of each volume indicating provenance from the bibliotheque of a Count (the crown with nine balls is symbolic of a Count).
Each volume measures: 8" tall and 5 1/2" wide, 1 1/4" thick. The volumes are in excellent condition with little wear. The crimson title and number plates remain bright and fresh with no fading. There is very light foxing to the text, normal with the age of the set.
It is a fabulous library set, very "showy" on the shelf because of the golden leather and brilliant red title plates. It has noble provenance from a bibliotheque of a Count. This set is a fine and complete and represents the expertise of the art of French bookbinding in a spectacular way.
Item ID: LC77
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