History of the Byzantine Empire from DCCXVI to MLVII

Finlay, George

Published by William Blackwood and Sons, Edinburgh, 1856

About this Item

xii, 542 pages. Full calf leather with gilt border to front and rear covers, edges of covers gilded (top edge lacks lustre), five raised bands with gilded ornaments to compartments of spine, gilded title to burgundy morocco label and, oddly, "Vol. II" gilded on black morocco label. Oddly, because this volume is the complete work. The first edition [1853/4] was issued in both one and two volume sets Vol. 1 covering the years 716-1057 and Vol. 2. 1057-1453, with Volume 2 titled as History of the Byzantine and Greek Empires from DCCXVI to MCCCCLIII. The second edition of that Vol. 1[1856] was issued in one volume, with Book First covering the years 717-867 and Book Second 867-1057. There was no Volume 2 to the second edition. The binder, one D. Dilworth of Newcastle, Staffordshire [his ticket to front pastedown lower right] produced a lovely book, and perhaps nodded in confusing Second Edition with Second volume. The frontispiece of Basil II called for in the Preface is lacking for not having been bound in to this copy. All page edges are feathered/marbled, as are the pastedowns and endpapers. Foxing to front and rear blanks, and lightly to title page and last two pages only. A very fine interior: clean and free of marks. Original binding is entirely sound. A lovely volume. Ink signature of F.C.B. Wedgwood to front blank [Francis Charles Bowen, 2nd Baron Wedgwood] and small rectangular bookplate to front pastedown: Francis Wedgwood / Barlaston [probably the grandfather of F.C.B.]. Seller Inventory # Books005345

Bibliographic Details

Title: History of the Byzantine Empire from DCCXVI ...

Publisher: William Blackwood and Sons, Edinburgh

Publication Date: 1856

Binding: Full leather

Condition: Very Good

Edition: Second Edition