The Library of Choice Literature: Prose and Poetry Selected from the Most Admired Authors.
Philadelphia: Gebbie & Co., 1883. Hardcover. Complete 8-volume set. x. 400pp; vi, 384pp; viii, 384pp; iv, 384pp; viii, 384pp; iv, 384pp; iv, 400pp; vi, 420pp. All edges gilt. Engraved title pages + tissue-guarded frontispieces, numerous called-for tissue-guarded full-page engravings. Near fine. Faintest of mild binding edgewear only, with couple of mars and scrapes, else superbly tight and handsome. Item #47276
Later printing of this massive 1881 compilation in tight, bright condition and with interesting autograph addition: Tipped to front flyleaf of first volume is a heavy stock 4" X 2½" card boldly signed in brown ink "Ainsworth R. Spofford / Librarian of Congress." Very good. Minor age toning. New England bookseller Spofford (1825-1908) joined the Library of Congress in 1861 and in 1864 Lincoln appointed him chief librarian -- a position he held until 1897, during which time he modernized that venerable institution. A gorgeous set adorned with the signature of its co-editor, sixth Librarian of Congress.
Price: $295.00