The Works ...

Publisher: San Francisco, The History Company, Publishers, 1886

Stock code: 29304

Price: £8,750

First edition, the complete set of what is still considered by historians to be the most important single source of early Western American history. “Colossal co-operative undertaking; nothing approaching it has ever been attempted in this country” (Howes). Although the first title-page is dated 1886, the set was published 1883-90. Vols. 11 and 33 were published by A. L. Bancroft & Company. Sets were originally offered in a variety of bindings, but the expense of binding so many volumes was such that purchasers usually opted for the cloth or cheaper leather bindings, which are now mostly met with in poor condition.

39 vols., octavo. Rebound in full tan morocco, red and brown morocco lettering pieces, other compartments with gilt motifs, covers with gilt roll borders, marbled endpapers, gilt edges. Maps, many folding, plus engravings & plates. Some faint age-toning, an excellent set.