The Works of Balzac La Comedie Humaine in 40 Volumes

Boston: Little , Brown & Company, 1896. Translated by Katherine Prescott Wormelye, these 40 volumes were published between 1896 - 1899 as The Novelists Library Edition de Luxe, in a limited edition of 500 numbered sets. This set is # 29. Illustrated by many different French artists including A.P. Laurens, Pierre-Georges Jeanniot , Georges Cain and others. All illustrations reproduced in lush tissue-guarded heliogravure plates. All 40 volumes bound in matching three-quarter crushed burgundy levant morocco over moss-green cloth boards with matching green-marbled endpapers, sewn-in green velvet textile bookmark, top edges gilt. Six raised and finely tooled spine compartments with gilt lettering; in the second compartment WORKS OF BALZAC followed by the individual titles in the third compartment. Spines and leather edges are rubbed and in many of the 40 volumes the front cover has neatly detached from the spine due - I would venture - to excessive dryness. The books show virtually no sign of handling are clean and have no inscriptions or bookplates. Except for the mentioned detached covers this is a Good and complete set. A professional bookbinder would be able to reattach the covers. Scans available upon request.. First Thus. Good.