Plutarch's Lives, translated from the Original Greek with Notes Critical and Historical, and a Life of Plutarch in six volumes

GG and J Robinson ; F and C Rivington ; W J and J Richardson ; R Faulder ; Longman and Rees ; Vernon and Hood ; Darton and Harvey ; And J Mawman ; Gillet, T (printer - Salisbury Square), 1801. 5th or later Edition. Hardcover. Good/No Jacket. Set of six volumes (complete). A most pleasant set of this consequently much reprinted (even in the 21st century) translation of Plutarch's lives. Taking its age into account these books are in venerable, good condition. Marbled board covers. Leather spine in six panels. The books are benign and kindly. Ex-libris plates indicate former ownership by the Linds of Gorgie - one of the oldest of Scottish families. Other plates indicate ownership and consequent bequest by William and Mary Feetham of Penrhos in North Wales. They were the parents of the famous South African politican and lawyer, Richard Feetham. Feetham was one of 'Milner's Kindergarten' after the Treaty of Vereenigen. He later became Town Clerk of Johannesburg, a Member of Parliament and thereafter a much respected Judge. He was also Vice-Chancellor and then Chancellor of the University of the Witwatersrand where he vigorously opposed racist entrance legislation. He led many commissions for the Imperial Government in London. Volume 1 has wear to the edges and corners and spine. They are, however, sound and well-made. Inside, there have been attempts to remove the Lind ex-libris plate on the inside front cover. The Feetham plate - on the frontispage - is neat and demure. The early pages have some damp tide-marks but these do not detract from the text or feel. The pages have printer marks at their feet (as with all volumes). The printer plate edges can be clearly seen (again as in all volumes). Whilst the pages are marked by age they are amiable and confident. Volume 2 is much cleaner and healthier. The pages are brighter and attractive. The ex-libris plates are intact and tidy. Once again the marbled boards and leather spine have wear and are yet benign. Volume 3 is as a middle child: it is assured and certain of manner. The Lind plate has been removed. The boards and spine have wear that the book bears with character. The contents are clear and tight against the binding. Volume 4 is content and neat. The ex-libris plates are intact. The boards and spine are polished with some wear. The spine is benign. The pages are clear and tidy. Volume 5 is worn and bears surface scuffing from storage. The spine is worn about its body. Inside, the ex-libris plates are intact. There are storage mould stains to the frontis and end pages. The contents are mildly foxed (remarkable for its age) but otherwise serene and quiet. The papertrims at the foot of the book have damp tide-marks - these do not travel onward into the book. Volume 6 has much wear to the spine. It is healthy and strong. The boards are sturdy and sound with wear to the edges. Inside, the guttering along the frontispage is lightly cracked but this in no way affects the security of the book. The Lind plate is absent. The early later pages have foxing. Otherwise this volume is contented and assured. The full set is charming in its dignity. A pleasing set for any library ; and they may be read with enjoyment. fk. Our orders are shipped using tracked courier delivery services.