OneRareBook.com, by Addison's Rare Books & Bindery

We are proud to offer one of the finest, if not the finest, complete 5 volume sets of Peter Pindar’s works. The 5 volume set is the most rare due to the various dates of publication. The first 3 volumes were published together in 1794, and this is why one more commonly sees the 3 volume set sold as complete. Even the title pages read “In Three volumes”; however, a 4^th volume was published for this set in 1796. The 4^th volume reads, “In Four Volumes.” They thought they were done, but not so fast; alas, one last volume was found to be necessary to cover Pindar’s works, and the 5^th and last volume was published in 1801.

The full speckled calf bindings are in extraordinary condition. Water-marks on the end-pages show the paper was made in 1795, and the first four volumes were likely bound around 1796-7. The 5^th volume has some slight differences in gilt designs; this suggests that the 5^th volume was likely bound a bit later than the first four -- it was likely bound around the date of its publication in 1801. This is an excellently preserved example of late 18^th century binding. Internally, the text is nearly flawless on a high quality wove paper; the exception is the fifth volume in which appears some light and scattered foxing throughout due to a bit lesser paper quality. There are no markings and the set appears to have been unread. On the first few and last pages, there are one or two pages that show their age with some marginal staining; and a few of the pastedowns show some age also. Overall, the first 4 volumes are Near Fine internally while the 5^th volume is Very Good. The bindings are excellent but obviously of age. Some of the hinges show some rubbing, some corners very lightly rubbed, light edge wear; overall Very Good or better.  

Finding the complete 5 volume set is rare, but finding the set in this condition makes this set a true gem. We find no other copies on the market comparable to this one.