Robert Browning was one of England's most beloved poets. The fact that he was largely self-educated and often raised critics hackles because of the obscurity of his references endears him to hearts. This is a beautiful production from Smith, Elder and Company in London completed in 1889. The binding is full-leather, with gilt borders on the covers- both inside and out (see left). The endpapers are marbled and have a tasteful bookplate from Margaret S.S. Simpson. The spines are heavily decorated with raised bands and gilt spine labels. Pages edges are also gilt, and still very bright. The book end volumes (Nos. 1 & 17) have suffered some fading to the boards, except where the bookend covered the board (see image). The edges have minor wear, with cracking to the leather on the exteriors of the hinges on a few volumes. All volumes are perfectly square and tight. A very handsome set of Browning's complete works.
Browning, Robert.
The Poetical Works of
Robert Browning
Complete in 17 volumes. London: Smith, Elder and Co, 1889 Full-Leather. Very Good. 12mo. Beautiful full leather, with just some fading to the spines. Spines are decorative gilt, with raised bands. All Edges Gilt. Marbled endpapers. Very nice set.
endears him to hearts. This is a beautiful production from Smith, Elder and Company in London completed in 1889. The binding is full-leather, with gilt borders on the 
covers- both inside and out (see left). The endpapers are marbled and have a tasteful bookplate from Margaret S.S. Simpson. The spines are heavily decorated with raised bands and gilt spine labels. Pages edges are also gilt, and still very bright. The book end volumes (Nos. 1 & 17) have suffered some fading to the boards, except
where the bookend covered the board (see image). The edges have minor wear, with cracking to the leather on the exteriors of the hinges on a few volumes. All volumes are perfectly square and tight. A very handsome set of Browning's complete works. 
