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Complete three-volume antique set of The Dramatic Works of Molière, rendered into English by Henri Van Laun. Published by A. W. Lovering, New York, in a late 19th-century “New Edition,” illustrated with nineteen engravings on steel after designs by Horace Vernet, Desenne, Johannot, and Hersent.
This is a handsome and substantial Victorian-era reading set with the original red cloth bindings, engraved portrait frontispiece, and additional steel-engraved illustrations. The text pages and engravings appear notably clean and readable for their age.
Provenance: Each volume bears an attractive printed ex libris from the library of The Twentieth Century Club, Oakland, California. This gives the set a documented institutional ownership history from a historic women’s civic and cultural club, adding genuine period character and a nice collectible connection to its long life in a club library. This is provenance, not a signed or limited edition.
Condition: Fair exterior condition, with wear to the original red cloth bindings. Some spine ends and corners have fraying, tears, losses, and exposed board material; Some hinges may need strengthening.
Interiors are much better than the bindings, with generally clean pages, attractive engravings, and readable text. Sold as found and as photographed, an appealing restoration project or decorative antique library set.
Please review all photos carefully for condition and completeness.
