Gibbon, Edward; Milman, DeanBiblio.com
The Library of Choice Literature: Prose and Poetry Selected from the Most Admired Authors
1883réf. 47276Philadelphia: Gebbie & Co 1883. Hardcover. Complete 8-volume set. x. 400pp; vi 384pp; viii 384pp; iv 384pp; viii 384pp; iv 384pp; iv 400pp; vi 420pp. All edges gilt. Engraved title pages tissue-guarded frontispieces numerous called-for tissue-guarded full-page engravings. Near fine. Faintest of mild binding edgewear only with couple of mars and scrapes else superbly tight and handsome. Later printing of this massive 1881 compilation in tight bright condition and with interesting autograph addition: Tipped to front flyleaf of first volume is a heavy stock 4" X 2½" card boldly signed in brown ink "Ainsworth R. Spofford / Librarian of Congress." Very good. Minor age toning. New England bookseller Spofford 1825-1908 joined the Library of Congress in 1861 and in 1864 Lincoln appointed him chief librarian -- a position he held until 1897 during which time he modernized that venerable institution. A gorgeous set adorned with the signature of its co-editor sixth Librarian of Congress. Gebbie & Co hardcover
