The Leadenhall Press Sixteenpenny Series. Illustrated Gleanings from the Classics. Numbers 1 to 4.

4 volumes, 4to, each with a preface by John Oldcastle. Number one: Sir Charles Grandison, 36 pages, 6 illustrations; number two: Solomon Gessner ("The Swiss Theocritus"), 28 pages, 6 illustrations and extra portrait; number three: Thomson's Seasons, 32 pages, 4 illustrations and extra portrait; number four: Tristram Shandy, 28 pages, 6 illustrations. All four numbers replete with attractive vignettes. Only these four numbers were published (vide number four, page 4). Each of the four numbers has an eight-page publishers' catalogue at the end. The raison d'etre of the series is the illustrations, which the 'publisher's note' states have been 'carefully and separately struck off direct from the original copperplate itself - the only method of printing by which the minuteness and beauty of the engraved work can be properly rendered'. All four are in their original buff wraps, with black and gilt printing on the front. The front cover of number one is detached, and the spines of all four are heavily worn. Many of the pages and prints are foxed and discoloured, but overall a good set of a scarce series by a notable Press.