{"product_id":"signed-blackwell-bindings-bulwers-novels-25-volumes","title":"[SIGNED BLACKWELL BINDINGS] Bulwer's Novels, 25 volumes","description":"\u003cp\u003eLytton, Edward Bulwer. \u003cstrong\u003e[SIGNED BLACKWELL BINDINGS] Bulwer's Novels, 25 volumes (Illustrated Cabinet Edition).\u003c\/strong\u003e Boston: Dana Estes \u0026amp; Company, c. 1900. Illustrated Cabinet Edition. [12311]\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe complete set of Bulwer's novels bound by the premier binding firm of Blackwells of New York City.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwenty-five volumes, in luxurious half brown Moroccan leather with green, gold, and lavender 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 8 x 5 1\/2 inches; the spines have six panels with raised hubs and bright gilt floral stamping; bright gilt top page edges. The title pages are printed in red \u0026amp; black, each with a frontispiece and additional plates; a blue ribbon marker has been added to each binding. The slightest of light wear to some hubs. The set takes up about 36 inches of shelf space. Fine. Hardcover.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe binder's mark reads, \"\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(43, 0, 255);\"\u003eBound for Schlesinger \u0026amp; Mayer by Blackwell\u003c\/span\u003e.\" The bindings were commissioned by the Gilded Age retail giant of Chicago, Schlesinger \u0026amp; 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e[HISTORICAL NOTE]: \u003c\/strong\u003eA spectacular, unique artifact of American Gilded Age commerce and craftsmanship. While Dana Estes \u0026amp; Co. produced high-quality text sheets in Boston, this particular set was selected by the premier luxury department store Schlesinger \u0026amp; 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 \u0026amp; Mayer are exceptionally scarce on the open market.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e[CONDITION]:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e[PROVENANCE]: \u003c\/strong\u003eThe 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.  \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Haaswurth Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44678012469314,"sku":"ABE12311","price":2000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0191\/6066\/2082\/files\/DSC07969_933c372c-7261-4f4e-864c-853857a24811.jpg?v=1786031665","url":"https:\/\/www.haaswurth.com\/products\/signed-blackwell-bindings-bulwers-novels-25-volumes","provider":"Haaswurth Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}