[SIGNED BLACKWELL BINDINGS] Charles Reade's Works, 16 volumes

Reade, Charles. [SIGNED BLACKWELL BINDINGS] Charles Reade's Works, 16 volumes (Illustrated Cabinet Edition). Boston: Dana Estes & Company, c. 1900. Illustrated Cabinet Edition. [12310]

The complete set of Reade's works bound by the premier binding firm of Blackwells of New York City. Bound in luxurious half brown Moroccan leather with blue, red, gold, and brown marbled paper boards and end papers, this is a gorgeous custom-made set. Blackwell's name is stamped in small letters at the top of each front free end paper. Each volume of this "Cabinet Edition" measures 7 1/2 x 5 inches; the spines have three raised hubs and bright gilt floral stamping, with bright gilt top page edges. The title pages are printed in red & black, each with a frontispiece and additional plates; a blue ribbon marker has been added to each binding. Fine. Hardcover.

The binder's mark reads, "Bound for Schlesinger & Mayer by Blackwell." The bindings were commissioned by the Gilded Age retail giant of Chicago, Schlesinger & Mayer. Blackwell printed that specific customized stamp at the top of the front free endpapers to certify to the wealthy Chicago buyer that they were purchasing a luxury item unique to that specific department store. It was in use for only a few years, between 1899 and 1902.

[HISTORICAL NOTE]: A spectacular, unique artifact of American Gilded Age commerce and craftsmanship. While Dana Estes & Co. produced high-quality text sheets in Boston, this particular set was selected by the premier luxury department store Schlesinger & Mayer during their brief, legendary zenith (1899–1902). Sent to New York master bookbinder Henry Blackwell, the set was beautifully rebound to satisfy the demanding tastes of elite turn-of-the-century Chicago collectors. Signed bindings tying Blackwell to Schlesinger & Mayer are exceptionally scarce on the open market.

[CONDITION]: A remarkably bright, well-preserved set. Spines remain bright with original gilt completely intact; only the slightest, negligible rubbing to the tips of a few raised bands (hubs) and spine panels from honest shelf wear. Outer joints and inner hinges are structurally sound and completely uncracked. Internal pages are clean and bright, completely free of foxing.

[PROVENANCE]
The historical background of this set is remarkable. In 1931, an estate auction in the Schenectady, New York area was attended by a local gentleman who purchased several pieces of antique furniture - most notably, a massive cherry bookcase. The bookcase was sold fully loaded, containing this complete 16-volume collection. The set stayed housed in that very bookcase for nearly a century until the gentleman’s estate was recently liquidated. His grandson reached out to us regarding the library, and we proudly purchased the books directly from the family.

[CONTENTS]
Volume 1: Griffith Gaunt
Volumes 2-3: The Cloister and the Hearth
Volume 4: A Simpleton
Volume 5: Love Me Little, Love Me Long
Volume 6: Peg Woffington, and Other Stories
Volume 7-8: It Is Never Too Late to Mend 
Volume 9: The Course of True Love, and Other Stories
Volume 10 : A Woman-Hater
Volumes 11: Foul Play
Volumes 12-13: Put Yourself in His Place
Volume 14-15: Hard Cash
Volume 16: A Terrible Temptation

The very best set you are likely to ever see, and you will be supremely pleased to add it to your library.