First editions, each two vols bound as one. Gothic script. Talvi: Vol 1: pp xii, [iv], xlvi, 293 [3]: Vol 2: 1826: viii, [iv], xvi, 330, with a colophon to verso of 1: 293 Halle: gedrukt in der Russschen Buchdruckerei followed by final blank. Gerhard: Vol 1: xxiv (-ii), 416; Vol 2: xx (-ii), 317, ie. complete and correct with half-titles, but what are presumably front blanks not present. BOUND IN MATCHING CONTEMPORARY FULL CALF GILT, edges marbled, marbled endpapers, in good, bright condition. Text also very good, with just an occasional touch of foxing, more so in the Gerhard, but still very good over all. A rare set, illustrating the emergence of folktale and historical research in the early part of the nineteenth century, as the Serbians were winning their attempt to gain independence against Ottoman rule. Talvi was the pen-name of Therese Albertine Luise van Jacob (1797-1870), a remarkable woman scholar who learnt Russian after her father was appointed a professor first in the Ukraine, and then in St Petersburg. The family then moved back to Halle, which explains the geographical location of the production of her book. She was influenced by Goethe in working on the text, said to be solace at the loss of her sister. She then married Robinson, the well-known Biblical scholar, and moved with him to the United States, continuing her literary activity after a pause, including a refutation of Ossian. This is her main work, one admired by Goethe, and an excellent example thereof.