“THE WORK OF A MASTER… THE HISTORIAN OF GREECE”: HANDSOMELY BOUND SET OF GROTE’S HISTORY OF GREECE

GROTE, George. A History of Greece; from the Earliest Period to the Close of the Generation Contemporary with Alexander the Great. London: John Murray, 1851-57. Twelve volumes. Octavo, early three-quarter green morocco gilt, raised bands, top edges gilt, uncut. $3500.

Early edition of Grote’s celebrated history of Greece, illustrated with a large folding map of Greece and 25 engraved maps and plans (16 folding), handsomely bound by Morrell.

A banker, member of Parliament, staunch social reformer and one of the founders of the University of London, Grote was among the first to attempt to write a comprehensive work on Greece's political and intellectual heritage. His History extends from the mythical beginnings of Greek culture and legend to the reign of Alexander the Great. "The work of a master… The political lessons and ethical judgments so characteristic of the [History] render it the most instructive of histories" (DNB). Grote "incontestably won for himself the title not merely of a historian, but of the historian of Greece" (Allibone I:747). Grote's History "is notable for its accurate geographical details, for the spirit and vigor of its passages descriptive of martial exploits, and, above all, for its obvious purpose of showing the elevating and inspiring influence of freedom upon human activity… Each chapter is, in a way, a monograph in itself, and the work as a whole is one of the greatest masterpieces of historical research that have ever been put forth" (Peck, 753). Some folding maps heightened in color by hand. First published in 12 volumes in 1846-56.

Maps and text generally fine, spines uniformly toned. A very handsome set.