THE SPECTATOR. Leather set. Temple Bar Edition, 1/200. Complete in 8 volumes by Addison, Joseph; Steele, Richard - 1901

London & Boston: J. B. Millet, 1901. TEMPLE BAR EDITION. THE SPECTATOR. Temple Bar Edition. Complete in 8 volumes. Printed in 1901. This set is over 110 years old. Limited to only 200 numbered and registered copies. Bound in the highest quality morocco leather bindings. Gilded spines with raised hubs. Elaborate floral gilding. And elaborate matching floral gilding on the covers. Hand colored frontisplates. Steel engraved plates. Red and Black title pages. 40 original portraits, and 8 additional sketches. The top edges are gilded. Marbled end papers. Printed on quality paper with wide margins. 8.25 inches tall 11.5 inches wide. Edge damp stain on title of volume one. Some tide marks to the bindings. Else VERY GOOD+. Some general shelf wear / rubs. A high quality set limited to only 200 ever produced. These display beautifully. The Spectator was an important literary magazine from the 1700's, and an important addition to any antiquarian collection. According to Dibdin, not to possess the works of Addison is a misdemeanor. The Spectator 'set out not only to entertain and inform, but also to edify and instruct morally and aesthetically'. Addison and Steele's stated goal was to 'enliven Morality with Wit, and to temper Wit with Morality.' The daily issues of The Spectator became a huge success, with essays commenting on the sublime, the social, and the political. It became a major venue for the spread of Enlightenment ideas, and was one of the first publications to appeal directly to a female readership. Number 40 of the Grolier 100. This set would make an excellent gift and/or addition to any fine library. In addition to their shelf presence, antiquarian books make an excellent investment. We always pack very securely to help ensure safe handling during transit. All books are individually wrapped and are always professionally padded. We offer a full refund guarantee, per our terms described on our site, with notification of such intent requested. Please contact us with any inquiries.