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Up for sale is a remarkably scarce, authentic antiquarian complete four-volume (1-4) hardcover set of "The Works of Robert Burns: With An Account of his Life."
Published in New York in 1824 by W.A. Bartow and printed by the firm Gray & Bunce, this rare early American edition brings together the timeless poetry, songs, and personal correspondence of Scotland’s famous national bard. The volumes feature beautifully detailed engraved frontispieces and illustrated title plates executed by the renowned early American engraver Peter Maverick.
The set is bound in traditional period leather featuring gold gilt-tooled accents on the spines and contrasting black title blocks.
Please note: The brass owl bookends shown in the photography are for display purposes only and are NOT included in this listing.
Item Details:
- Title: The Works of Robert Burns (Volumes 1, 2, 3, and 4)
- Author: Robert Burns
- Publisher: W.A. Bartow (New York)
- Printer: Gray & Bunce
- Publication Year: 1824
- Engraver: Peter Maverick
- Binding: Antique Period Leather with Gilt Tooling
- Quantity: Complete 4-Volume Set
- Language: English / Scottish Dialect
Condition:
This 200-year-old set is in acceptable antiquarian condition with magnificent historic character, but it does possess notable structural wear:
1. CRITICAL STRUCTURAL NOTE: The front covers of Volume 1 and Volume 4 are fragile and nearly loose/detached at the outer hinge. They are currently holding by the inner cords but require very careful handling and support.
2. EXTERIOR WEAR: The original period leather bindings show heavy shelf wear and age-related drying, including overall scuffing, rubbing to the edges/corners, and minor leather chipping/loss at the spine heads and tails as shown in the photos. The black and gold spine labels remain fully intact and legible.
3. INTERIOR WEAR: The internal text pages are remarkably well-preserved for their age, remaining securely bound to the text block with expected uniform antique tanning and light, scattered foxing spots along the margins. The pages are free of modern ink markings or structural repairs.
Please review all detailed photos to evaluate the exact cosmetic and structural condition for yourself before offerding or purchasing.
A fantastic project set for a book restorer, an incredible display archive for an antique library, or a prized early print heirloom for a true Robert Burns enthusiast!
