[2], xlii, 498, [2], xlix, [3] pp.; [4], 348, vii, [1], 311, [1] pp. Illus. with an engraved frontispiece in each volume plus 11 engraved plates (1 folding), and two engraved in-text illustrations. The plates are engraved by R. Cooper, Bragg Thomson, and R. White, after Kneller, Derby, Lely, Hailes, and Neville. 4to. (33 cm). Three quarter morocco over marble paper-covered boards, four compartments, two with gilt titles, top edge gilt, marbled endpapers. First edition.
Ref: Matthews, p.29; CBEL, p.831; Grolier 100 (#75); Osler 5286; Lowndes III, 1828
Pepys (1633-1703) kept his diary for only nine years (Jan 1660-May 1669) yet "we know more about Pepys than about any other Englishman of his time," Ollard. It is the "nonpareil of English Diaries; the observations and records of a man of infinite variety and zest 'ever with child to see new things;' his own work, domestic life, friendships, and pleasures, which took him to almost every section of English life, from the court to the docks; in its immediacy and variety it is one of the supreme portraits of a man, inside and outside, and a mirror of the times," Matthews, British Diaries. The diary was a cipher until John Smith broke the code leading to this first edition edited by Lord Braybrooke with the help of George Neville (Grenville). One of the great works in the English language. Page 69 is mis-numbered 76.
Donated by Kaaterskill Books, East Jewett, New York.
Condition:
Wear to extremities with some minor restoration, spine and boards rubbed, shadow from old removed bookplates on marbled endpapers, small bump with tear to rear board of volume 2, scattered foxing and some browning with usual offsetting from plates, but firmly bound and solid copies with clean crisp text, and overall still a very good handsome set.