Books

Seven quarto (6-5/8" x 10") volumes bound in half black morocco leather stamped in gold with a design by Clarence Pearson Hornung and printed marbled paper sides. Edited with an introduction and index by J. B. Bury. Illustrated with reproductions of views of Rome etched by Gian Battista Piranesi. Issued unsigned. Of a total edition of 1500 copies, this is one of only 15 Presentation Copies with the publisher's blindstamp attesting to such on the colophon page where instead of a number the words "Office Copy" are handwritten along with the initials "G.C." Acquired directly from the publisher's files, this copy belonged to Gordon Carroll who was in charge of the club's operations in the 1970s when it operated out of Avon, CT. Four of the volumes still retain most of the rarely seen original glassine dustwrappers, and the original flimsy and scarce slipcase is present. Mild rubbing to the spine tips of a few volumes, the leather supple and bright. Near Fine example of a title usually found with much wear. The slipcase, usually lacking, is present and in Good condition, mostly intact with splitting and wear to the top edge.

Published in six volumes between 1776 and 1788, this extensive work by Edward Gibbon provides a detailed history of the decline of the Roman Empire.