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This lot of 20 vintage Everyman's Library hardback books features a decorative cloth binding and includes works by various authors. Published by J.M. Dent & Sons, these classic literature and fiction titles are a collector's item, showcasing a range of poetry and literary classics in English language. Perfect for adding to any antique book collection or for display as vintage decor, these original books offer a nostalgic glimpse into the literary world of the past.
The classic flat back,full gilt floral filigree spines is designed by Reginald Knowles. The back era spans 1906 to 1928.
Condition:GOOD
"Overall technically graded as GOOD. A complete 20-volume lot of early flat-back Everyman's Library editions. Bindings are stable and the text blocks are clean and readable, but the covers show typical vintage wear. Notable flaws include a chipped spine head with cloth loss on the Ben Jonson volume, a split spine head on the Minor Elizabethan Drama volume, a dark dampstain to the lower spine of the Shorter Novels volume, and uniform sun-fading/dust-soiling to page edges. Features historical ownership stamps/signatures from the estate of Harvard architect and activist Franziska Porges Hosken and her family."
The Complete Plays of Ben Jonson (Vol. I): This volume has a triangular chip/tear at the top-left corner of the spine head resulting in minor cloth loss, exposing the purple paper lining beneath.[3] There is also a small puncture hole on the right edge of the spine cloth.
Minor Elizabethan Drama (Vol. II): The green cloth at the top of the spine head is split and frayed.
Shorter Novels (Vol. I - Maroon/Red cloth): Features a distinct, dark, semi-circular dampstain covering the lower third of the spine.[3]
Uncle Tom's Cabin: The spine cloth is heavily darkened, rubbed, and shows minor splitting along the joints.[
Top Edge Dust-Soiling: The top edges of all 20 text blocks show heavy darkening and gray dust-soiling from decades of open-shelf storage.
Interior Pages: The pages themselves are highly stable, clean, and completely readable.As shown in the Literary & Historical Atlas of America volume, the inner pages and full-color geographic maps remain bright, crisp, and intact.
Ownership Markings & Inscriptions
Provenance Markings: The books feature a custom estate stamp: "From the Library of FRANZISKA PORGES HOSKEN (1919–2006)" on the front endpapers.
Signatures: Several volumes feature the handwritten signature of Franziska's mother, "Mary Low" (dating back to their flight from Vienna in 1938)
Prior Inscriptions: At least one volume (Shorter Novels Vol. III) has a neat vintage owner's inscription at the top of the title page reading: "Robin Huntly 27.11.1930" alongside minor pencil cataloging marks.[1]
Endpaper Art: The endpapers feature the stunning, original green-and-white Art Nouveau illustrations designed by Reginald Knowles.
