Thursday, June 4, 2009

Boxed sets from the 19th century


In the 19th century virtually all juvenile series initially came in boxed sets. Whether the books were adventure series, moralistic tinged or religious in subject material, they all came in boxes. Of course, like 19th century dust jackets the boxes are very hard to find.

This 10 volume series- Aunt Gracie's Library was published by Phillips and Hunt. Although the exact date is unclear, this publishing house was in business between 1879 and 1889 and was at the 805 Broadway address between 1884-1890 thus dating the series:1884-1889.

The 10 little volumes are 4.75 x 3.00. They have gold gilt spine titles and decorations. As is common with these boxes, the series name and book titles are on a paste-on at the top of the box.

I have been collecting these box sets for many years and still have not come across many. Truly a tough collector find.

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