8 vo. (8 1/2 inches) Red cloth boards with title labels on the spines. Published by The C.C. Brainard Publishing Company, Boston. The only date we find says "Copyright 1892 by the Macmillan Company". This "Edition De Luxe" had a limited print run of one thousand numbered sets, and was printed for subscribers only. The reverse of the title page has a space for a number to be stamped or written, but it is blank in all seventeen books. There are about 200 pages per volume. The top edge of the pages are gilded, and some of the pages are uncut, as issued. There are many fine quality illustrations on special paper with an impressed border; most also have a protective paper. This set was originally issued in 18 volumes. Volume number 16 is missing. There is a printed signature on the editor's portrait page that reads: "Yours sincerely Henry B. Wheatley".
Condition: Very Good, overall. The covers are slightly scuffed, but bright; and have some shelf wear. Volume one is rather heavily rubbed; the rest have light to moderate rubbing. They are lightly bumped, and have some spine wear. The title labels are sunned and some are lightly chipped. The bindings are tight. The interiors are fine; they have that unread feel. There is very little or no foxing. The pages are almost like new. The illustrations and protective papers are fine. These are very pretty books; a pleasure to hold and to read. They have been well cared for.
Samuel Pepys (1632-1703) was Clerk of the Acts and Secretary to the Admiralty of England. He kept an honest and interesting journal of his life in the 1600's. It was never meant to receive public scrutiny, so it was written in a cryptic shorthand. Pepys diary was not deciphered until 1825. Some parts of it were considered too risque for the time, and were left out of the first published transcriptions. That is why the title page has this note: "For the first time fully transcribed from the shorthand manuscript in the Pepysian Library, Magdalene College, Cambridge, by the Reverend Mynors Bright, with Lord Braybrooke's notes."
These volumes include his thoughts on subjects such as current events, history, science, society, relationships, education, politics and religion. There is also an awe-inspiring account of the London Fire, noted for it's vivid detail and moving prose. This diary is of both historical importance and literary significance because it is the frank, honest account of the life of a 17th century gentlemen. Many interesting and almost scandalous facts are herein revealed; more shocking, perhaps, considering the time in which Pepys lived.
Price: $945.00
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