Waverly Novels Sir Walter Scott 1842 Abbotsford 12 vol. leather set 120 plates

(Old Books, 19th Century Books, Leather Books, Decorative Leather Set, Literature, Illustrated Books, Waverly Novels, Sir Walter Scott).

Waverly Novels, by Sir Walter Scott.
Published 1842, Edinburg & London by Robert Cadell and Houlston & Stoneman.
12 volumes, each c. 675 pages. Text in English. Engraved frontis & half titles protected by original tissue guards. Profusely illustrated throughout with approx. 120 steel engravings which include many relating to the near East, Constantinople, etc. plus 2000 small line drawings 

The greatly esteemed "Abbotsford Edition" which was sold unbound and in boards, sets bound to order by owners.

An uncommon and handsome monumental set which was enormously expensive when issued. Each volume is large, thick and heavy.

Attractive antiquarian full leather bindings, raised & gilt bands, gilt title lettering & compartment decorations, marbled edges and end papers.

Set is physically old and shows some signs of handling and time. 

Bindings gently age worn but still appealing, leather and joints scuffed along joints, covers soiled and stained, leather spines darkened in spots, leather rubbed but still supple, set remains overall very attractive as an object.

Text block paper is gently age toned as typical, internally set remains mostly clean, tight and sound. A set which has been taken care of but may/ does not look like new.

Still attractive on the shelf. Set displays a pleasing and unique age patina and is in rather nice antiquarian condition, any age flaws seem easy to overlook or forgive. 

Please review photos for more detailed attempt to present this set as it survives. 

We often over-describe any flaws that many sellers would not even bother to mention since most people would overlook them as minor and unworthy of comment. Many people tell us the books they receive from us are nicer in person than they appears on the screen. We want you to be clear about what you are buying, so we take numerous photos and try to describe it openly and honestly.

Books Measure c. 10" H x 6 7/8" W.

[B8590].