A Victorian Trilogy: Victorian People / Victorian Cities / Victorian Things.
London: The Folio Society, [1996]. Hardcover. Complete 3-volume set. Burgundy cloth with gilt/mustard/green/pink/black lettering and elaborate decorative and pictorial stamping, slipcase with gilt lettering. xiii, 261pp; 330pp; 406pp. Pictorial title pages, color illustrations, decorative endpapers. Fine/near fine. Single circular blind-embossed ownership imprint in each volume. Item #48742
First of this edition, being the first triple-decker rendition of Briggs' 1955 "Victorian People: A Reassessment of Persons and Themes, 1851-1867," the 1963 "Victorian Cities" and the 1988 "Victorian Things." Best of all, this thick trio bears a choice autograph addition: Tipped onto inner flyleaf of first volume is a Typed Note Signed from Briggs, 1p, 5 3/4" X 8 ¼", Oxford, England, 14 June 1985. Addressed to Richard C. Laade. Near fine. Faint original folds. On "Worcester College" letterhead, Briggs tells an admirer "I am very glad indeed to let you have an autograph," signing boldly at the conclusion. Briggs (1921-2016) was a distinguished historian of modern Britain and leading interpreter of the Victorian era. Signed copies of any of his books are rarely encountered and this sumptuous set with letter is most unusual.
Price: $250.00