Details
Description
A striking 12-volume collection of Franklin Library and Franklin Mystery editions, curated for their combination of literary significance and exceptionally …
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A striking 12-volume collection of Franklin Library and Franklin Mystery editions, curated for their combination of literary significance and exceptionally decorative presentation. Richly bound in red, forest green, deep blue, black, burgundy and brown, the collection features elaborate gold and metallic ornamentation and creates a sophisticated, collected-over-time library display.
All 12 volumes feature metallic gilt page edges, with the majority finished in gold gilt and several in silver-toned gilt. This detailing is especially attractive when the books are viewed from above or arranged horizontally, adding another decorative element beyond the beautifully ornamented spines and covers.
The collection includes:
Crime and Punishment — Fyodor Dostoevsky
The Decameron — Giovanni Boccaccio
Great Cases of Sherlock Holmes — Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
The Portrait of a Lady — Henry James
Tom Jones — Henry Fielding
The Maltese Falcon — Dashiell Hammett, Franklin Mystery
The Red and the Black — Stendhal
Candide — Voltaire
Don Quixote de la Mancha — Cervantes
Tales of Mystery and Imagination — Edgar Allan Poe, Franklin Mystery
Waverley — Sir Walter Scott
Aesop's Fables
Several volumes are from The Franklin Library of Mystery Masterpieces / Franklin Mystery series, while the others are decorative Franklin Library editions of major works of literature. Together they offer an impressive selection of authors including Dostoevsky, Boccaccio, Conan Doyle, Henry James, Henry Fielding, Dashiell Hammett, Stendhal, Voltaire, Cervantes, Edgar Allan Poe and Sir Walter Scott.
The bindings are particularly handsome. Individual volumes feature combinations of ornate gilt borders, floral motifs, geometric patterns, literary and pictorial emblems, raised spine detailing and richly decorated covers. The alternating jewel-tone colors and varied designs give the collection considerably more visual interest than a uniformly bound set.
The books are equally attractive when displayed upright, stacked horizontally or incorporated into larger library shelving. Every volume has gilt page edges—primarily gold, with several silver-toned examples—creating a beautiful metallic effect that complements the extensive gold decoration of the bindings.
Of particular interest, the Franklin Library edition of Voltaire's Candide contains the Tobias Smollett translation with illustrations by noted Spanish artist Antoni Clavé. The publication information shown identifies the Clavé illustrations and a 1979 Franklin Mint copyright. The Franklin Mystery volumes likewise feature specially produced content and distinctive bindings.
This collection would be especially well suited to a traditional library, study, home office, bookcase, built-in shelving, console or designer interior. It offers the decorative impact of a curated designer book collection while retaining the appeal of genuine classic literature meant to be read and enjoyed.
The entire group measures approximately 16.5 inches wide when all 12 volumes are displayed together.
Most volumes measure approximately 9 inches high × 6 inches deep.
Tom Jones: approximately 9.25 inches high × 6 inches deep
Waverley by Sir Walter Scott: approximately 9.25 inches high × 6 inches deep
Aesop's Fables: approximately 8 inches high × 5 inches deep
Individual book thicknesses vary.
Condition: Excellent vintage condition with light age-appropriate shelf and handling wear. Some variations to the bindings are present. All 12 books retain their metallic gilt page edges, predominantly gold with several silver-toned examples; the metallic finishes show varying degrees of normal surface wear consistent with age and use. Interiors appear well preserved overall from the volumes inspected and photographed. Please review the photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.
Sold together as one curated collection of 12 Franklin Library and Franklin Mystery volumes.
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- Dimensions
- 16.5ʺW × 6ʺD × 9.25ʺH
- Period
- Late 20th Century
- Country of Origin
- United States
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Leatherette
- Paper
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Green
- Condition Notes
- Excellent vintage condition with light age-appropriate shelf and handling wear. Some variations to the bindings are present. All 12 books … moreExcellent vintage condition with light age-appropriate shelf and handling wear. Some variations to the bindings are present. All 12 books retain their metallic gilt page edges, predominantly gold with several silver-toned examples; the metallic finishes show varying degrees of normal surface wear consistent with age and use. Interiors appear well preserved overall from the volumes inspected and photographed. Please review the photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description. less
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