1811 Antique “Elegant Extracts” 4-Volume Poetical Series, Original Engravings

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A complete 4-volume set of Elegant Extracts from the Most Eminent British Poets, published in London by John Sharpe in … Read more A complete 4-volume set of Elegant Extracts from the Most Eminent British Poets, published in London by John Sharpe in 1811. This early 19th-century collection gathers dramatic, satirical, humorous, and lyrical excerpts from leading English poets, each volume illustrated with finely engraved frontispieces.

All four volumes retain their original drab-paper boards with printed spine titles — an increasingly scarce survival. The pages feature beautiful deckled edges, classic letterpress typography, and period engravings depicting scenes from the selections. Interior pages show expected age toning and foxing, but remain legible and full of character.

These volumes represent a landmark in early 19th-century publishing, intended as refined literary “extract books” for cultured reading. Wonderful for display, libraries, literary collectors, and lovers of English poetry and antique bindings. See less