Description

I've been collecting books for over 40 years. Its not very often I encounter a set of books that knocks my socks off, but this set does just that. It is off the charts in every aspect. If you are a researcher, historian or collector of historical books on the history of Illinois, specifically Chicago, this set would be among the centerpieces of your collection. In over 40 years of collecting I have had 3 sets of this work. Finding a complete set in any condition is uncommon and difficult. This particular set beats any of those I have ever seen. You will not be disappointed! This set is a work of art and a true treasure! This listing is for four original, complete, high-quality hardcover volumes. One price for the 4 volumes. Free shipping to any of the 50 U.S. states. When they printed this 3 volume set - it was 'no holds barred' when it comes to quality. The spines and corners are leather. The remainder of the front and rear covers are of a unique, decorative finish. The front and rear endpapers are of the same fancy pattern. All page edges are in gilt. Five raised bands on each spine. Many of the illustrations have tissue guards. All pages are of a quality stock. 1. VOLUME I - HISTORY OF CHICAGO. FROM THE EARLIEST PERIOD TO THE PRESENT TIME - IN THREE VOLUMES - VOLUME I ENDING WITH THE YEAR 1857. By A. T. (Alfred Theodore) ANDREAS. Published by the author. Chicago. 1884. Printed by R. R. Donnelley & Sons - The Lakeside Press. Bound by J. Cox & Co. 648 pages. 2. VOLUME II - FROM 1857 UNTIL THE FIRE OF 1871. Published 1885. Publisher now stated as the A. T. ANDREAS COMPANY. 780 pages. 3. VOLUME III - FROM THE FIRE OF 1871 UNTIL 1885. Published 1886. 876 pages. 4. HISTORY OF COOK COUNTY ILLINOIS. Published 1884. 888 pages. (This book is not part of the 3 volume set, but is a companion volume. The 3 volume set concentrates on the city of Chicago proper. This volume expands the area of interest to cover the entire county in which Chicago lies. Includes histories of surrounding towns, such as Evanston, Hyde Park, Calumet, Cicero, Lake, Jefferson, Palatine, Elk Grove, Schaumburg and many more. The binding on this volume is not deluxe as are the other 3, but still does have leather spine and corners.) Grand total these 4 volumes comprise nearly 3200 pages. The text presents a well respected history of Chicago and Illinois. The illustrations, many of them full-page, include portraits of prominent citizens, maps and varied scenes. Some of the illustrations have some color or tinting. One particularly striking illustration is a tinted four page fold-out titled "Chicago, As Seen After The Great Conflagration." Alfred Andreas (1839 - 1900) served as a soldier in the Civil War. He then went on to become a well known publisher of Midwestern state and county atlases and a multitude of county histories. A good many of his works show the publisher as the 'Western Historical Company' - that name is not used in these volumes. Interiors of all 4 volumes are excellent condition. No interior markings, staining or foxing. No torn or bent pages. No library markings. Bindings sound. All text and illustrations clean and clear - all pages crisp. Covers and spines do have some wear. See photos please. Returns accepted with full refund if you are not satisfied. (You would need to pay return shipping.) Sorry, no sales to Canada or anywhere other than 50 U.S. states. If you visit someone, and you see no books in their house - Run Away! Run Away! RM-1