Burton “Arabian Nights” 1897 H.s. Nichols Library Edition 12 Vols Illustrated

Exceptionally rare and highly desirable collector’s set: the complete 12-volume “Illustrated Library Edition” of The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night (“Arabian Nights”), translated by Sir Richard F. Burton and privately printed in London by H.S. Nichols for the Kama Shastra Society, 1897.

Details:

Publisher: H.S. Nichols, Ltd., London, 1897

Edition: Library Edition, privately printed for the Kama Shastra Society

Volumes: Full set of 12 large octavo volumes (approx. 27 × 18 × 3 cm each, total weight ~12 kg)

Illustrations: Complete with all 71 original photogravure plates by Albert Letchford, each with tissue guard

Binding: Contemporary half leather (morocco) with gilt titles and arabesque motifs to spines and boards, cloth sides, marbled endpapers, top edges gilt, uncut fore- and bottom edges

Text: Red and black printed title pages, decorative Arabic title to each cover, all volumes collated and complete

Condition: Very Good. Strong and tight bindings, gilt still bright, very minor shelf wear, occasional light foxing to prelims, plates fresh and clean, no missing or loose pages, no repairs. No ex-library marks, inscriptions or stamps.

Provenance: From a private collection.

Dimensions: Each volume approx. 26.5 × 16.5 × 3 cm, weight per volume ca. 1 kg.

Language: English, with introductory notes by Leonard C. Smithers.

Importance:

Considered the most authoritative and collectible English translation of Arabian Nights; this edition is distinguished by its luxurious binding and the presence of all Letchford illustrations (often incomplete or missing in other sets).

Not to be confused with cheaper reprints or incomplete editions: this is the full Kama Shastra Society private press version, highly sought after and rare on the market.

Comparable sets offered by reputable rare book dealers (Harrington Books, Buddenbrooks, etc.) are priced at £2,500–£3,000 and higher; single volumes sometimes appear at auction, but complete illustrated sets in this condition are exceptionally scarce.

Recent Market References:

Harrington Books (London): £2,500 (VG, not as bright as this set)

Buddenbrooks (US): $3,500–$4,200 (depending on binding and completeness)

Abebooks/Biblio: listings from £2,500 to £3,200 for comparable sets

Auction records: most complete sets sell for €2,800–€3,500 depending on condition and illustration count

Summary:

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a true bibliophile’s treasure – the landmark 12-volume 1897 Kama Shastra Society “Library Edition” of Burton’s Arabian Nights, with all 71 Letchford plates, in original morocco and cloth bindings and in remarkable condition.

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. It is important to note that shipping costs include labour, packaging and postage.