Harvard Classics, Southwark ed, over 100 years old, 1st ed., you pick volume For Sale

The Southwark Edition takes its name from Southwark, London, the birthplace of John Harvard, founder and namesake of Harvard University, who was born there in 1607.

Southwark itself is one of the oldest parts of London. The area dates to Roman times, and the name Southwark can be traced to a defensive settlement established in the area during the reign of King Alfred in the 9th century.

These volumes were designed to be both handsome and practical. Their bindings use Fabrikoid, a durable, leather-like material developed by DuPont and widely used by publishers as an alternative to genuine leather.

Fabrikoid gave these Harvard Classics several advantages: they are lighter and easier to handle than many heavier editions, the bindings have a degree of flexibility, and they do not require the ongoing conditioning and care associated with genuine leather bindings such as those used on the earliest 1909–1910 editions.

The result is a remarkably attractive set that remains comfortable to read while displaying beautifully on a bookshelf.