The Portrait of a Lady (Oxford Library of the World's Greatest Books)

Printed and bound by the Franklin Library. With remarkable illustrations by John Singer Sargeant, a friend of Henry James - to the best of the knowledge of the publisher, this was the first time any of these eight drawings have been published, four being taken from Sarjeant's personal sketch books. With original subscribers' letter laid in, setting the novel in its period context. Quarter bound in red calf's leather with gilt lettering and decorations, four raised bands on spine, all edges and decorations in 22 karat gold. Rich marbled endpapers. Red satin ribbon marker bound in. Smyth-sewn binding. Printed on acid-neutral archival paper (which means the pages will not brown with time). In fine condition throughout. The Franklin Library (a division of the Franklin Mint) was one of the leading producers of great books in fine bindings in the 20th century. Made between 1981 and 1985 the Oxford/Franklin volumes are stunning and outstanding for their production qualities. Oxford University Press specially chose the Franklin Library to design and produce its World's Great Books series because of its unsurpassed skill in achieving a premium-quality product: each of the Oxford books was to be 'a wonder', in the finest traditions of bookbinding. Books in the World's Greatest Books series were produced as limited editions in either full leather or quarter leather bindings (as were all Franklin Library books, although in some cases it's not known how many were included in each limited edition). A truly, gorgeously handsome volume, designed to become an heirloom, in collectible and gift condition. A large and heavy volume which may require an additional charge for overseas shipping.

Singer Sargeant, John

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