Books

4 volumes. First LEC Edition, First Edition with the illustrations by Lynd Ward and a handsome illustrated edition in English. With a great profusion of illustrations printed in blue, maroon throughout the volumes, all by Lynd Ward. 4to, in the publisher's original attractive bindings of black cloth, the spines gilt lettered and ruled and decorated with pictorial vignettes of various characters of the novel, with the original slipcase lettered in gilt on the spine panel. vii, [5], 288; 314; vi, [1], 295; 340, [1]pp. A very fine set of this world classic, near as pristine, the black cloth is fresh and dark with vivid gilt, hinges all vert firm and tight, internally clean and fresh, the slipcase with a bit of wear at the extremeties. A VERY APPEALING ENGLISH PRINTING WITH THE FAMOUS ILLUSTRATIONS OF LYND WARD OF ONE OF THE MOST ELUSIVE TITLES TO SECURE OF ALL THE GREAT BOOKS OF LITERATURE. The four-volume format gives a nice sensibility to the printing and presents the long novel in a very user-friendly manner. The Count of Monte Cristo ranks with The Three Musketeers as the best of Dumas pere s historical novels-- a series in which the author proposed to reconstruct the entire course of French history. Originally published in French in 1844, the book was co-authored by Dumas frequent collaborator, Auguste Maquet. One of the greatest adventure novels of all time, it is one that qualifies for being read over and over again. This set is surprisingly pleasing and well preserved.