The World's Great Books Third Volume 1950 Edition
THE WORLD’S GREAT BOOKS — FIRST VOLUME, PAGES 1–768
Edited by Arthur Mee & J. A. Hammerton | c. 1910 | Antique Illustrated Hardcover
A handsome early-20th-century literary compendium, The World’s Great Books was created to introduce readers to the essential works of world literature, history and thought. This is the First Volume, covering pages 1–768, edited by celebrated British editors Arthur Mee (1875–1943) and J. A. Hammerton (1871–1949). Comparable copies are catalogued as having been published in London by Carmelite House, circa 1910.
Rather than presenting a single literary work, the volume gathers accessible accounts and condensations of important books and ideas, organised across subjects including Fiction, Life & Letters, History, Philosophy & Religion, Science, Poetry & Drama, Travel & Adventure, and Miscellaneous works. Short biographical introductions accompany many of the authors, making the book a fascinating snapshot of how the literary canon was presented to readers more than a century ago.
One of the most attractive features of this edition is its illustration. It contains both monochrome illustrations and full-page colour plates, including work by illustrator E. Wall-Cousins. The example pictured includes the striking colour plate “Homer Reciting the Iliad in the Streets of Athens”, together with an elaborate illuminated-style title page. Contemporary bibliographical descriptions record the first volume as containing 768 pages and measuring approximately 10 × 6½ inches (25.4 × 16.5 cm).
Book Details
Title: The World’s Great Books
Volume: First Volume — Pages 1–768
Editors: Arthur Mee & J. A. Hammerton
Publisher: Carmelite House, London
Publication Date: c. 1910
Format: Antique hardcover
Binding: Dark/navy blue cloth boards with blind-stamped decoration and gilt detailing to spine
Pages: 768
Size: Approx. 10 × 6½ inches / 25.4 × 16.5 cm
Illustrations: Colour plates and monochrome illustrations throughout
Language: English
Genre: Literature / Classics / History / Philosophy / Reference
Collectability: Antique illustrated literary reference work
Condition
Vintage/antique condition with age-related wear. The photographed copy shows rubbing and wear to the corners, edges and particularly the head and foot of the spine, together with some surface marks to the blue cloth boards. The internal pages show expected age toning, while the illustrated and colour pages remain particularly attractive. Please refer to photographs for the exact condition of this individual copy.
Why We Love It at Owl Books
This is the sort of book that captures the romance of an old private library. The deep blue cloth binding, gilt spine, decorative typography and beautifully reproduced colour illustrations give it considerable visual appeal. More importantly, its ambitious aim—to introduce readers to the great books and ideas of civilisation—makes it a fascinating piece of Edwardian-era publishing history.
A wonderful addition for collectors of antique books, lovers of literary history, vintage-library décor, or anyone who simply appreciates beautifully produced books from another era.