Published by Blackie and Son, London, 1879 / 1880, 1st edition. Vols 1 & 2 dated 1879, 3 & 4 dated 1880. Four volume set in publishers highly decorative green, black and gilt pictorial boards . Bevelled edges. Aeg. Each 10ins x 7ins. Volume one: 4pp prospectus, viii, 336pp plus 8pp plates of authors. Volume two: vii, (i), 336pp, 4pp book adverts plus 8pp plates. Volume three: vii, (i), 336pp, 4pp book adverts plus 8pp plates. Volume four: x, 336pp, 4pp book adverts plus 8pp plates. Charles Read prepared the first three volumes, T.P. O'Connor the fourth following Read's death. First and last two pages of volumes one and two quite heavily foxed. Also the portrait of Francis Sylvester Mahoney in volume three. Otherwise, occasional light scattered foxing. G+