Donnelly Antiques Ltd has dated this piece to the 1880s.
His influence is such that the French language is often referred to as the "language of Molière".

This 3-volume set contains the Complete Works of Moliere within handsome polished full calf bindings by the highly revered bookbinding firm of Zaehnsdorf which was founded in London in 1842 by Joseph Zaehnsdorf (1816-1886), an Austro-Hungarian craftsman-binder who also the author of The Art of Bookbinding (1880). The boards and board edges have gilt decoration and the elaborately gilt decorated spines are arranged as 6 compartments by 5 raised bands with two containing contrasting gilt lettered title labels. The page edges are marbled as are the end papers which are bordered by blind stamped detailing to the leather surrounds. Internally the pages are somewhat age toned and have sporadic light foxing although this is generally confined to the outer margins. Externally the spines have some minor marks and minor wear including a little loss to the gilding. There is wear to the heads of the spines as well as the board edges, with a little bumping to the corners and scuffing to some of the boards being most pronounced to volume III. Whilst undated this set dates to circa 1880. A smart set.
The books have a height of 18.2 cm, a depth of 12 cm and a shelf coverage of 8.8 cm. The combined unpackaged weight is some 1.55 kg.
Donnelly Antiques Ltd has dated this piece to the 1880s.
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