Description
Offered here is an exceptional matched group of four original Edinburgh Cabinet Library volumes, all uniformly bound in period soft leather with gilt lettering on the spines-including the original “Edinburgh Cabinet Library” imprint at the base. This confirms they are authentic publisher-issued series volumes from the early Victorian era, designed for consistent presentation on the shelf.
All four volumes also feature the same Christopher Turnor / Stoke Rochford Library bookplate, providing documented aristocratic provenance from one of Britain’s notable country-house libraries. This consistent provenance adds significant collectible value, showing these books were kept together as part of the Stoke Rochford estate’s distinguished collection.
Published in Edinburgh by Oliver & Boyd, with London distribution by Simpkin & Marshall, these volumes were part of the highly respected Edinburgh Cabinet Library series. Known for delivering authoritative, accessible histories in uniform bindings, the series was a hallmark of 19th-century scholarly publishing.
This lot includes:
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A Historical and Descriptive Account of Persia by James Baillie Fraser (Edinburgh: Oliver & Boyd; London: Simpkin & Marshall, 1834)
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Scandinavia Ancient and Modern by Andrew Crichton and Henry Wheaton, Vol II (Edinburgh: Oliver & Boyd; London: Simpkin & Marshall, 1838)
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An Historical and Descriptive Account of China by Hugh Murray et al., Vol II (Edinburgh: Oliver & Boyd; London: Simpkin & Marshall, 1836)
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An Historical and Descriptive Account of British India by Hugh Murray et al., Vol III (Edinburgh: Oliver & Boyd; London: Simpkin & Marshall, 1832)
Each retains its original publisher’s soft leather binding with gilt titling (including the Edinburgh Cabinet Library series mark on the spine). There is wear consistent with nearly 200 years of age, including scuffing, joint wear, spine chip, edgewear, some loss of gilt lettering, and general shelf wear. Interiors are generally clean for age, with expected foxing or toning. Folding maps or plates may be present but are not guaranteed in every volume; buyers should examine photos carefully to assess details and completeness.
These volumes represent respected 19th-century accounts of their regions, reflecting Britain’s era of exploration and global interest. Their consistent original bindings, series markings, and matching Turnor bookplates make them especially attractive for collectors of travel writing, British history, or rare books with documented aristocratic provenance.
Condition is overall good and sound for their age, with bindings intact despite typical wear. Please view all the photos carefully to evaluate condition and completeness for yourself.
