The International Library Of Famous Literature
Selections From The World's Great Writers, Ancient, Medieval, And modern With Biographical And Explanatory Notes And Critical Essays By Many Eminent Writers.
Edited by Dr Richard Garnett (of The British Museum)
Issued by The Standard: London 1900
Includes 12 Volumes Of Original 20 Volume Set Being III, IV, IX, X, XI, XII, XV, XVI, XVII, XVIII, XIX & XX
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Issued at the dawn of the twentieth century, The International Library of Famous Literature was conceived as an ambitious survey of the world's greatest literary achievements, bringing together selections from ancient, medieval, and modern writers within a richly illustrated reference work. Under the editorship of Dr. Richard Garnett of the British Museum, and with the collaboration of distinguished European scholars including Léon Vallée and Alois Brandl, the series sought to introduce readers to the finest works of world literature while providing historical context, biographical sketches, explanatory notes, and critical commentary. Published in London by The Standard in 1900, it represented one of the most substantial literary anthologies of the Victorian era.
The work's enduring appeal lies in both its breadth and presentation. Drawing upon authors from classical antiquity through to the nineteenth century, the collection encompasses poetry, drama, history, philosophy, religious writings, folklore, and fiction from across Europe and the wider world. Lavishly produced with hundreds of full-page illustrations and coloured plates, the series was intended not merely as a library of reading but as an educational and cultural resource for the home. The surviving volumes in this set contain a remarkable cross-section of literary history, featuring works from such figures as Virgil, Dante, Omar Khayyám, Sir Thomas Malory, Tacitus, St. Augustine, Washington Irving and many others.
This offering comprises twelve volumes from the original twenty-volume edition, namely Volumes III, IV, IX, X, XI, XII, XV, XVI, XVII, XVIII, XIX and XX. Uniformly bound in handsome red leather with elaborate gilt-decorated spines and marbled endpapers, the books present beautifully as a decorative library set while retaining significant scholarly value. Though incomplete, substantial portions of the series remain present, making it an attractive acquisition for collectors of fine bindings, literary reference works, and turn-of-the-century publishing, as well as those seeking an impressive and highly displayable library of classic world literature."
