Rare 20-Volume William Shakespeare Set – Leather Bound, Gilt Detailing, Illustrated, Merrill & Baker (c. 1900)

This exquisite set of William Shakespeare’s works stands as one of the most stunning and unique editions ever produced. Bound in exceptionally rare, marbled, multicolored leather, these volumes feature a design unlike any other edition. The gilt inlays adorning the covers add an extra touch of luxury, while the uncut pages enhance the historical aesthetic and provide a more immersive reading experience. Beyond their striking exteriors, the interiors are equally magnificent. Custom illustrations and elegant ornamental designs are interwoven throughout the text, making each page a visual delight. Published by Merrill & Baker, a company that operated for only a brief period before ceasing production due to the extraordinary cost of crafting such opulent books, this edition remains a true rarity. Currently, no other known copies of this edition are available for sale worldwide, solidifying its status as a once-in-a-lifetime collectible. For lovers of fine bookbinding, Shakespearean literature, and rare antiquarian works, this set is an unparalleled treasure—both a literary masterpiece and a testament to the artistry of bookmaking. Condition: Good This remarkable 20-volume set remains in well-preserved condition, with careful restoration ensuring its longevity. Some volumes exhibit wear to the leather on the side covers, but this has been professionally maintained to prevent further deterioration. Several books have undergone expert conservation work, including edge reinforcement and protective treatments to preserve the integrity of the leather. One volume—the edition containing Romeo and Juliet—has been rebacked with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that its original aesthetic remains intact. Additionally, some edges show bumping and minor wear, consistent with the set’s age. Despite these restorations, the bindings are all sound, with no missing or torn pages. The gilt detailing remains bright and ornate, further enhancing the set’s exquisite craftsmanship. With 20 volumes in total, this collection is both a literary and artistic treasure—an extraordinary example of fine bookbinding and preservation. *Please reach out to me with any questions before purchasing, also if you live in the lower half of the United States, I would be happy to ship in person Published by Merrill & Baker, c1893-1906, limited edition, 1 of 26 in existence. Written by William Shakespeare. Shipping Information - Standard Shipping - We use USPS to ship all items. Standard domestic shipping for books is Priority Mail. All items are carefully packaged, insured for their full value, and tracking information is provided. - Shipping Upgrades - We do offer shipping upgrades on all items in case you need it to arrive sooner. There are additional fees depending on the size and weight of the individual item and how quickly you need it to arrive. If for some reason it does not appear as an option when you are checking out, please contact us directly. Refunds & Returns - Lost or Damaged Items - We are not responsible for any items once they have been shipped, and therefore cannot be held responsible for items lost or damaged in shipping. However, I do package all items with great care, and we provide all our customers with tracking information so they can see their order’s tracking history and a more accurate estimated delivery date and time. If an item is lost or damaged during shipping, the buyer must work with the shipping provider to resolve the issue. If an item is lost (shipped but undelivered) and the tracking information has not been updated within 30 days of the last update, I will be happy to provide a replacement if possible or issue a refund. - Items Not As Described - If an item is not as described, please contact us so we can work out a return or an exchange. We cannot issue a refund in most cases until we have received the returned item. The buyer is responsible for all return shipping costs. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions whatsoever!