The Works of Charles Lamb in Five Volumes

New York: W. J. Widdleton, 1870 . Leather. Very Good. 8" by 5.5". None. A lovely five volume collection of the letters and poetry of this prominent English literary figure, in smart half calf bindings. A scarce five volume edition of the works of this English essayist, poet and antiquarian, published in New York by W. J. Widdleton.Consisting of an assortment of the poetry and letters of this literary personality, praised by his principal biographer E. V. Lucas as 'the most lovable figure in English literature'.Best known for his 'Essays of Elia', and the children's book 'Tales from Shakespeare' - co-authored with his sister Mary - Charles Lamb was friends with such literary luminaries as Coleridge, Wordsworth, Hazlitt and Southey.With a frontispiece portrait of Lamb to volume I. With the contemporary inscription of Henry C. Eno to a front endpaper of volume I, dated 1870.With publisher's advertisements to the rear of each volume. In half calf bindings, with marbled paper covered boards. Bumping to back strip heads, with small tears in the leather to spine heads of volumes I, III and IV. Rubbing to board extremities. Front hinge of volume III starting, with board loosely held to text block by one cord only. Remaining hinges starting, with boards firmly held. Internally, firmly bound. Pages clean and bright. Very Good