for sale €176 $191

£150

Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd

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Books Set of Plutarch’s Lives – Six Volumes, London 1758 (J. & R. Tonson)

Name: Books Set of Plutarch’s Lives – Six Volumes, London 1758 (J. & R. Tonson)
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1228827
Price: 150 GBP
Availability: InStock

18th century

For Sale by Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd

Description

Complete Set of Plutarch’s Lives – Six Volumes, London 1758 (J. & R. Tonson)

A complete six-volume 18th-century edition of Plutarch’s Lives, translated from the Greek with notes from Dacier and others, and with the Life of Plutarch by Dryden.

Printed in London by J. & R. Tonson in 1758.

Each volume retains its title page, with engraved frontispiece to the first volume by J. Miller after Gravelot. Bound in contemporary full calf with gilt-ruled borders and raised bands; one volume rebacked in red leather. Early ink ownership inscriptions “J. T. Barham 1775” to several endpapers.

Condition: complete but worn. Two volumes split through the binding with detached covers; others with cracked joints, surface wear and losses to the spine leather. Pages with some foxing and some stains though clearly legible

Dimensions (each): 13.5 cm × 20.5 cm × 3 cm

Date: 1758

Publisher: J. & R. Tonson, London

Provenance: J. T. Barham 1775

Declaration

Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd has dated these Antique Leather Bound Books to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1228827

Dealers Notes

All items offered by Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd are carefully selected for their authenticity, decorative appeal, and period character. We specialise in antique and vintage pieces sourced with a knowledgeable eye, and we aim to provide accurate descriptions and detailed photographs for every item.

Our stock is available to view by appointment at our Worcester showrooms, and we are happy to provide further information or additional images on request.

We offer both national and international delivery, and can arrange professional packing or assisted delivery where appropriate.

We strive to make the buying process as straightforward and personal as possible — whether you're a private collector, interior designer, or trade client.

Description

Complete Set of Plutarch’s Lives – Six Volumes, London 1758 (J. & R. Tonson)

“

A complete six-volume 18th-century edition of Plutarch’s Lives, translated from the Greek with notes from Dacier and others, and with the Life of Plutarch by Dryden.

Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd

fig 1. A six-volume set of eighteenth-century leather-bound books with distressed brown spines and gilt lettering standing upright. — fig 1. Books Set of Plutarch’s Lives – Six Volumes, London 1758 (J. & R. Tonson)

Printed in London by J. & R. Tonson in 1758.

Each volume retains its title page, with engraved frontispiece to the first volume by J. Miller after Gravelot. Bound in contemporary full calf with gilt-ruled borders and raised bands; one volume rebacked in red leather. Early ink ownership inscriptions “J. T. Barham 1775” to several endpapers.

fig 2. A six-volume set of eighteenth-century leather-bound books with distressed brown spines and gilt lettering standing upright. — fig 2. Books Set of Plutarch’s Lives – Six Volumes, London 1758 (J. & R. Tonson)

Condition: complete but worn. Two volumes split through the binding with detached covers; others with cracked joints, surface wear and losses to the spine leather. Pages with some foxing and some stains though clearly legible

Dimensions (each): 13.5 cm × 20.5 cm × 3 cm

Date: 1758

Publisher: J. & R. Tonson, London

Provenance: J. T. Barham 1775

Date of Manufacture

Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd has dated these Antique Leather Bound Books to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1228827

About the Dealer

Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd

Sellingantiques verified Since Apr 2025

Specialists in fine antique furniture, decorative arts & collectables

Dealer Profile

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A six-volume set of eighteenth-century leather-bound books with distressed brown spines and gilt lettering standing upright.

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Archive I

Books Set of Plutarch’s Lives – Six Volumes, London 1758 (J. & R. Tonson)

Archive II

A six-volume set of eighteenth-century leather-bound books with distressed brown spines and gilt lettering standing upright. View II

Archive III

A six-volume set of eighteenth-century leather-bound books with distressed brown spines and gilt lettering standing upright. View III

Archive IV

A six-volume set of eighteenth-century leather-bound books with distressed brown spines and gilt lettering standing upright. View IV

Archive V

A six-volume set of eighteenth-century leather-bound books with distressed brown spines and gilt lettering standing upright. View V

Archive VI

A six-volume set of eighteenth-century leather-bound books with distressed brown spines and gilt lettering standing upright. View VI

Archive VII

A six-volume set of eighteenth-century leather-bound books with distressed brown spines and gilt lettering standing upright. View VII

Archive VIII

A six-volume set of eighteenth-century leather-bound books with distressed brown spines and gilt lettering standing upright. View VIII

Archive IX

A six-volume set of eighteenth-century leather-bound books with distressed brown spines and gilt lettering standing upright. View IX

Archive X

A six-volume set of eighteenth-century leather-bound books with distressed brown spines and gilt lettering standing upright. View X

Archive XI

A six-volume set of eighteenth-century leather-bound books with distressed brown spines and gilt lettering standing upright. View XI

Archive XII

A six-volume set of eighteenth-century leather-bound books with distressed brown spines and gilt lettering standing upright. View XII

Archive XIII

A six-volume set of eighteenth-century leather-bound books with distressed brown spines and gilt lettering standing upright. View XIII

Archive XIV

A six-volume set of eighteenth-century leather-bound books with distressed brown spines and gilt lettering standing upright. View XIV

Archive XV

A six-volume set of eighteenth-century leather-bound books with distressed brown spines and gilt lettering standing upright. View XV

Eighteenth-century book sets were typically bound in calfskin or sheepskin, featuring gold leaf embellishments, raised spine bands, and marbled endpapers. Printed using letterpress technology, these classical sets were prized additions to private libraries during the Georgian era.

Binders utilised tanned animal hidesmost commonly calfskin, morocco goat leather, or sheepskinstretched over thick paperboards. Spines were reinforced with vegetable-tanned cord to create distinctive raised bands, with titles stamped in gold foil onto leather labels.

Authentic 18th-century volumes feature hand-laid rag paper, often displaying visible wire lines and watermarks, alongside irregular typography from manual metal typesetting. The bindings typically display age-appropriate leather craquelure, authentic oxidisation, and hand-stitched headbands.

Antique leather volumes add texture and historical weight to modern interiors when displayed on bookshelves, mantelpieces, or coffee tables. Stacking books horizontally or grouping them using heavy bookends creates visual interest within minimalist or traditional design schemes.

Store leather-bound books in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight and heat sources, which cause leather to dry out and crack. Handle bindings with clean, dry hands, avoid tight packing on shelves, and consult a professional conservator prior to applying treatments.

Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd

Books Set of Plutarch’s Lives – Six Volumes, London 1758 (J. & R. Tonson)

Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd

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Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd

Books Set of Plutarch’s Lives – Six Volumes, London 1758 (J. & R. Tonson)

Treasure Trove Worcester Ltd

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Secure Transit

The Sustainable Choice

FAQs

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