Novels and Other Writings of Leo Tolstoy, 1903, Custom Bindings, 52 of 150

Binding Details:  Beautiful period bindings of full morocco leather with spine treatments of raised bands and gilt ruling, gilt titling, as well as elaborate giltwork. There are gilt ruled borders to the boards with an elaborate gold gilt ornamented design to the front and rear covers. The inner boards contain leather and silk doublures that are decorated in an intricate gilt rule pattern.  The top page ends are gold gilted.

Collection Details:  This is the 24 volume “Ruisdael Edition” of the critically acclaimed “Lyof N. Tolstoi: Novels and Other Writings” published in 1903 by Scribner’s and Sons in a limited edition of 150 sets with this being number 52. Printed on hand-made Ruisdael paper, the English translation is from the original Russian as approved by the author (from the introduction). The collection features beautiful illustrations printed in 2 states on Japanese vellum and van Gelder. In their review of the collection at the time of its release, The New York Times wrote, “If one could possess only the works of one writer, Tolstoi, because he has touched human experience at so many different chords and from so many points of view, should be that one.”

Each book measures approximately 9” x 6.25” and includes a table of contents, list of the main characters, and and an introduction. All of the illustrations are protected by captioned tissue guards. Each volume has a limitation page indicating that this is number 52 of 150.

Condition Report:  The bindings are in Near FINE condition with some volumes having minor rubs to the extremities and generalized minor shelf wear. Internally the books are very clean with no foxing. Overall, this is a beautifully bound limited edition collection of the writings of one of world’s greatest authors.

Photographs of the collection and a close-up of the leather and silk doublures appear in the photo section of the listing.