DESCRIPTION: Two volume set.  Edition of 320 copies printed on paper.  Octavo (23.5 x 15.5 cm).  "Seen through the press by C.J. Holmes".  Decorated with wood engraved initial letters and borders designed by C.S. Ricketts, all printed at the Ballantyne Press.    Fine bindings: Vintage full morocco and gilt bindings with marbled pastedowns and endpapers by Chambolle-Duru (Paris), stamped in gilt at the lower border inside the front cover of Volume 1 (see photo).  The elaborate gilt designs continue inside the book covers along the leather turn-ins of both front and rear covers.  All edges trimmed and gilt.

CONDITION: No names, inscriptions or ex-libris.  Text blocks firm and square.  Fading to the book spines and periphery of the covers (from dark green to brown) giving the books a duotone appearance which is pleasing in its own way.  The external hinges have been repaired and reinforced by an experienced professional bookbinder (Scott K. Kellar of Chicago) (see final photo).  Very faint toning (barely perceptible) at the bottom of two pages in the rear of Vol. 1 (photos 15 and 16).  Very light rubbing at the edges of the covers, at the top and bottom of the book spines and the raised bands of the book spines (see photos 17 and 18).  Interior pages otherwise bright and white in fine condition without foxing or additional toning.  

DISCUSSION:  This is one of the most popular and sought after sets amongst the 45 titles in the short-lived bibliography of the Vale Press (1896-1904).  In his famous book 'The Private Press', Roderick Cave proclaimed the Vale Press books were "far truer to the spirit of fifteenth-century printing than Kelmscott work" and in both style and execution compared favorably, so much so that the Vale Press printing was admired by William Morris.  Vale Press editions were closely supervised by C. S. Ricketts and the printing was actually carried out at the Ballantyne Press, where a handpress and pressman were reserved for Rickett's sole use, accounting for the exceptional quality of Vale Press editions.  Overall, this is a nicely preserved set for 124 year old books and it remains highly collectible.

Please examine all photos carefully and ask all questions prior to purchase because sale is final.