This antique two-volume history set from The Historians’ History of the World is a handsome Edwardian reference pair for readers who love old scholarship, decorative title pages, and shelf-worthy clothbound books.
Volume XI covers France, 843–1715, while Volume XIII covers France, 1815–1904 and the Netherlands, giving this set a nice through-line for European history readers. Inside, you get dense historical text, black-and-white illustrations, engraved portraits, and a beautifully ornate title page designed and engraved by Tiffany & Co.
These are photo-verified 1907 volumes with age, readable interiors, and strong antique-library appeal.
Quick Specs
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Item Type: Antique hardcover book set, 2 volumes
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Size: Each approx. 10 x 7 x 2 in.
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Material: Clothbound hardcovers with gilt top edges
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Color: Tan / light brown cloth with black spine titling
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Origin or Maker: The History Association, London and New York
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Year or Era: 1907
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GENRE: European History / World History
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Language / Pages: English / Vol. XI: 656 pages; Vol. XIII: 654 pages
Edition & Features
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Edition/Printing: 1907 edition / later volume set issue; exact printing state not provided
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Illustrations/Maps/Plates: Engraved portraits, decorative title pages, black-and-white historical illustrations and plates
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Extras: Vol. XI includes the original “How to Open a New Book” insert; laid-in newspaper clipping present; gilt top edges
Condition Grade: Good
Notes:
- Attractive antique set with age-appropriate shelf wear and rubbing to cloth, especially at extremities and spine ends.
- Interiors appear generally clean and readable with toned pages consistent with age.
- Vol. XI has a laid-in newspaper clipping that has stained the inside board/endpaper area, plus pencil date notations visible on the front endpaper area.
- Vol. XIII shows small blue ink marks/blue dots visible on a few pages near the top margin and contents area.
- Gilt top edges are still present and eye-catching.
- Bindings appear sound from the photos, and the books display well on the shelf.
See all photos for detail—sold as pictured.
Condition Grade Key
Near Fine: minimal wear; tight; clean.
Very Good: light wear; clean text; minor flaws.
Good: noticeable wear; sound reading copy; some marks.
Fair: heavy wear; complete but worn; priced accordingly.
Provenance & Notes
Part of a larger history collection, with additional volumes from this set available separately in the History collection.
About the Author: HENRY SMITH WILLIAMS
Henry Smith Williams was an American physician and historian best known for editing The Historians’ History of the World, a massive multi-volume reference work produced in the early 20th century. This set was created as a collaborative history project with academic contributors and editorial revisers, as shown on the printed contributor pages.
A beautiful old pair for the reader who wants real history with real shelf presence.
Shelf-worthy vintage finds you can trust. Find Your Story.
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Disclaimer
The vintage items I share with you have been previously owned and loved and may show some wear. Please use the pictures as a guide. While I do my best to capture colors accurately, your monitor or device screen may display colors slightly differently from the actual item.
Care & Handling: Handle with clean, dry hands. Store upright, out of direct sunlight, at about 68°F and 40–50% relative humidity. Avoid damp areas and extreme temperature swings. Please note: If you have any questions or need more photos, ask.
