London: The Chaucer Company, [nd., ca. 1900]. Limited edition. One of just fifteen sets (this being set number two), lavishly bound by Zaehnsdorf for Sangorski & Sutcliffe, and with signed original drawings by one of Thackeray's illustrators in each volume (some in color). Fifty-two volumes, octavo. Leaves measuring 255 x 174 mm, with the set occupying 180 cm (170 inches) of shelf space. A lovely, Near Fine set. Elegantly bound for the publisher by Zaehnsdorf in full green morocco. Each volume with both doublures done in red, green, and cream pictorial morocco (with large morocco and gilt rose design inlaid). Floral gilt spine in six compartments with raised bands and boards with gilt rule. All edges gilt. Green watered silk free endpapers. Bookplates of John Francis Neylan to each preliminary blank. Spines tanned, with some cosmetic rubbing to joints and some wear to corners. A very attractive example of a superb and luxurious production.

Nearly as popular as Dickens in his day, William Makepeace Thackeray (1811 - 1863) is now, of course, best remembered for his novel Vanity Fair, which satirized the aristocrats and social climbers of British high society. In this set, Vanity Fair – spread across three profusely-illustrated volumes – is elegantly presented alongside Thackeray's numerous other novels, novellas, nonfiction works, and poems. The frontispiece to each of the fifty-two volumes is an original signed pen-and-ink drawing or watercolor by one of Thackeray's illustrators, including Kyd (Joseph Clayton Clark) and H.C. Green, and the set includes numerous mounted illustrations throughout. This set elegantly collects the complete works of one of the nineteenth century's most popular writers. Near Fine (Item #7812)