Beaux & Belles of England. Edition Magnifique, limited to 26 copies

London: Grolier Society, 1910. Edition Magnifique. 13 volumes of this extravagantly bound and produced set, the "Edition Magnifique" limited to 26 lettered sets. Bound in full gilt and inlaid crushed morocco, printed on vellum with each illustration appearing in triplicate. Titles include Mrs. Siddons by James Boaden, 2 vols; Lord Chesterfield by W. Ernst, 2 vols; Mrs. Mary Robinson written by herself, 1 vol; Count de Grammont by Anthony Hamilton,1 vol; Lady Blessington by J. Fitzgerald Molly, 1 vol; Beau Brummell by Captain Jesse, 2 vols; The Sheridans by Percy Fitzgerald, 2 vols; Lady Hamilton & Lord Nelson by John Cordy Jeaffreson, 2 vols.

Royal 8vo, one of 26 sets, Letter "S". Each volume approximately 400pp, the plates in three states, one hand-colored, each with tissue guards. Printed on Japan vellum by the Edinburgh Press. Bound in full gray crushed morocco, with floral design in gilt, red and green inlaid into the corners of the boards & spines, with the gilt stamped family crest of Sir William Molesworth centered on the front board. Green and gilt floral decorated interior doublures, green moire silk endpapers. Top edge gilt, others untrimmed. Each volume housed in the original lined slipcase.

This edition rarely appears on the market. There are other editions with various limitations, this being the most limited bar one. The plates appear in triplicate (others are 1 or rarely 2 impressions of the plates). OCLC: 38492511 cites one copy (NYPL) of Nell Gwyn of the Edition Magnifique, which was donated by J. P. Morgan.

A magnificent set of volumes in superb condition in their original slipcase.