Modes and Manners of the Nineteenth Century as Represented in the Pictures and Engravings of the Time (4 Volumes)

London: J.M. Dent & Sons Limited, 1927. Revised/Enlarged Edition. Hardcover. A beautiful, decorative set. Generally VG- clean and tight with an occasional hint of age toning to page margins. Just one separation at hinge, in Volume IV, between pages 224-225, but binding is secure. Top gilt edges a bit dulled. Art school ex-lib. set with usual marks, including spine stickers, which could be removed carefully.. Olive green cloth/boards; red/green/gilt floral motif with gilt lettering and decoration. Decorative end papers. Vol. I: xxii + 186 pp. with 39 color illustrations; Vol. II: x + 171 pp. with 35 color illustrations; Vol. III: x + 163 pp. with 31 color illustrations; Vol. IV: xiv + 226 pp. with 31 color color illustrations. Each volume includes a color frontis and approximately 100+ illustrations in half-tone. TEG. A bit heavy at 7 pounds (3.2 kilos) for the set; will require extra postage. Covers the clothing and dress, manners and customs of European modes from the period 1790 to 1914. A brief note in Volume I (Chapter 1A) has been added, dealing with American fashions. Translated from the German by M. Edwardes and with an introduction by Grace Rhys. Each volume includes lists of both the color and the half-tone illustrations in the volume. Many of the color illustrations were drawn from the fashion papers, Journal des Dames, and Gallery of Fashion (London) with many of the illustrations copies of famous paintings. Volume IV contributes a chapter on the social history of England, including sports and sports clothes. An enthralling, beautifully-illustrated, encyclopaedic study that would enhance any fashion lover's library. (Inventory #: 157660)