40 volumes, 8vo. Titles printed in red and black, in-text woodcuts, numerous plates throughout including mounted illustrations after George Cruikshank, Hablot K. Browne ("Phiz"), et al., facsimile title-pages and wrappers, etc.; a few closed marginal tears, one or two marginal tears with loss, one or two stray spots, occasional and minor offsetting, volume 6 with longer closed tear (pp.79-80). Three quarter red morocco over pink cloth, margins with gilt rules, spines with raised bands in five compartments second and third gilt-lettered, others with repeat gilt Tudor rose pattern, top edges gilt, others uncut, marbled endpapers; some rubbing to extremities, primarily joints and spines, head of vol. 3 slightly torn, many ribbon markers frayed or perished.

40 volumes, 8vo. Titles printed in red and black, in-text woodcuts, numerous plates throughout including mounted illustrations after George Cruikshank, Hablot K. Browne ("Phiz"), et al., facsimile title-pages and wrappers, etc.; a few closed marginal tears, one or two marginal tears with loss, one or two stray spots, occasional and minor offsetting, volume 6 with longer closed tear (pp.79-80). Three quarter red morocco over pink cloth, margins with gilt rules, spines with raised bands in five compartments second and third gilt-lettered, others with repeat gilt Tudor rose pattern, top edges gilt, others uncut, marbled endpapers; some rubbing to extremities, primarily joints and spines, head of vol. 3 slightly torn, many ribbon markers frayed or perished.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot provided by Sotheby's. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colours and shades which are different to the lot's actual colour and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation because Sotheby's is not a professional conservator or restorer but rather the condition report is a statement of opinion genuinely held by Sotheby's. For that reason, Sotheby's condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot.

The National Edition, one of 750 sets.