Lives of the Queens of England (The rare 4th edition, 8 vols., complete)

The sought after Fourth Edition, that was embellished with wonderful hand colored portraits of every queen; and profusely illustrated with numerous plates on each volume. Agnes Strickland's was an famous English historical writer in the mid 1800s, and her famous and widely popular account of the Queens of England is one of the classic works of female monarchs. Overall, very good set in original early brown half leather over marbled boards, boards mildly rubbed, leather at corners, edges and spine somewhat worn, but bindings remains square, tight and strong. All edges gilt. Ex libris James C. Spence, who, deducing from the date he penciled in his signature and the heraldic bookplate in this set, was the Scottish surgeon appointed surgeon in ordinary to the queen of Scotland in 1867, and is the Spence for whom the Tail of Spence (anatomical term) is named. A unique and wonderful association. Small Octavo 13 x 20 cm. A lovely set of this rare edition.