Description

Published in London by Dorking: Robert Best Ede, 1841–1848. Complete in five volumes, Features elaborate gilt decoration to the spines and borders of the boards, gilt page edges. This set contains a fold out map and is llustrated throughout with numerous engraved plates, several retaining their original tissue guards. The geological section by Gideon Mantell.

A monumental and richly illustrated county history, charting the topography, antiquities, and architecture of Surrey, prepared by the noted antiquary Edward Wedlake Brayley with assistance from John Britton.

Condition report

Overall, this set is in fair condition. All five volumes are bound uniformly in full gilt-decorated leather with raised bands. The bindings remain attractive, though each shows rubbing to the extremities and surface wear to the boards, consistent with age. Volume I: Moderate rubbing to the boards and corners, and wear to the gutter with the text block slightly loosened but still attached. Heavy foxing to the title and dedication pages, with intermittent spotting throughout. Plates show heavier foxing, though most retain their tissue guards. Small marginal tears to a few pages. Binding generally firm. Volume II: Rubbing and minor scratches to the boards. Pencil notation and small tears to the lower corner of the title page and first few leaves. Intermittent foxing throughout, heavier to plates and endpapers. Tissue guards present on several plates. Binding remains firm, gilt edges bright. Volume III: Light rubbing to the boards. Moderate foxing to the title page and heavy foxing to some plates. Wear to the gutter around page 4, with further wear and several loose leaves after page 522, all still contained within the volume. Binding sound overall. Volume IV: Rubbing and scratching to the boards, with staining to the endpapers. Tear to the rear of the dedication page. Foxing heavy at the outset and intermittent thereafter. Plates foxed but present, with some retaining tissue guards. The gutter shows wear at the front and rear but the binding remains intact. Volume V: Rubbing and surface wear to the boards. The gutter is heavily worn beside the dedication page, revealing some of the binding cords. A few torn tissue guards and intermittent foxing throughout, heavier to the plates. The binding is still attached and firm, though the internal wear is visible. All volumes are gilt-edged. Pages are generally clean and legible throughout. Foxing and age toning vary, but all text remains readable. Overall, the set is in fair condition, complete and presentable, with wear commensurate with age.