1888 Illustrated Antique 2-Volume Hardcover Book Set: Tom Brown's School Days & at Oxford

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An exceptional, matching 1888 two-volume antique set of Thomas Hughes' classic Victorian works: "Tom Brown's School Days" and "Tom Brown … Read more An exceptional, matching 1888 two-volume antique set of Thomas Hughes' classic Victorian works: "Tom Brown's School Days" and "Tom Brown at Oxford." Published in New York by Macmillan and Co., this rare "New Edition" features wonderful, crisp black-and-white engraved illustrations throughout by Arthur Hughes and Sydney Prior Hall, including the detailed vignettes on the title pages.
The volumes are bound in striking red cloth richly adorned with brilliant gilt lettering and elegant, embossed floral details along the spines. The interiors open to green-and-white micro-floral patterned endpapers. Adding to their incredible historical charm, the flyleaf features a beautifully preserved, hand-inked Christmas provenance dated December 25, 1890, gifted from "Uncle Sam of Fletcher" to "Willie W. Wilson," alongside an authentic vintage "Fletcher Library" catalog stamp (No. 362). A perfect decorative or historical addition to an English library collection.

Condition Notes: Covers show light shelf wear, minor rubbing to the spine ends, and gentle softening at the corners consistent with age. Structural binding remains secure and intact. The title pages and interior paper are remarkably bright, crisp, and clean for their age, free of heavy foxing or tearing, with the exception of the authentic historical ink inscription and library stamp on the flyleaf page. See less