1855 John Lingard’s Illustrated History of England, Complete 10-Volume Leather Set

Details

Description

An authentic complete ten-volume antique set of John Lingard’s celebrated The History of England: From the First Invasion by the … Read more An authentic complete ten-volume antique set of John Lingard’s celebrated The History of England: From the First Invasion by the Romans to the Accession of William and Mary in 1688.

Published in London by Charles Dolman in 1855, this is the sixth edition, revised and considerably enlarged. All ten consecutively numbered volumes—I through X—are present.

The books retain their original warm brown leather bindings, raised spine bands, gilt ornamental tooling, gilt volume numbers and contrasting dark title panels lettered “Lingard’s England.” Inside, the set includes finely rendered engraved historical illustrations and a handsome engraved portrait of John Lingard.

The interiors are notably well preserved in relation to the bindings, with clean, legible pages and attractive nineteenth-century typography. The contrast between the timeworn leather exteriors and remarkably preserved contents gives the collection an especially evocative sense of history.

Displayed together, the books span approximately 10.5 inches and create an impressive antique-library presence. They would make a distinguished addition to a traditional study, English country interior, library, office or collected bookshelf. Beyond their considerable decorative appeal, these are genuine 1855 antiquarian volumes offering an expansive account of English history from Roman Britain through the accession of William and Mary.

The wooden and brass eagle bookends shown in certain photographs are styling props and are not included.

Dimensions: Each volume measures approximately 7.5 in. H × 5 in. W. The complete ten-volume set measures approximately 10.5 in. W when arranged upright side by side, with an approximate shelf depth of 5 in.

Condition statement

Complete ten-volume set in distressed antique condition. The interior pages and engraved illustrations are notably clean, legible and well preserved for their approximately 170 years of age, with limited age-related toning and occasional minor spotting.

The original leather bindings exhibit substantial age-related deterioration, including pronounced dryness and powdering associated with red rot, rubbing, flaking, cracking, surface losses and losses at several spine ends and edges. Some title labels and gilt decoration remain especially attractive, while others show fading or loss. One volume has an old light-colored exterior spine repair or reinforcement. Joints and bindings should be handled carefully, and small amounts of leather residue may release during handling. Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description. See less