The Red and the Black (The Oxford Library of the World's Greatest Books)

One of a special edition prepared for subscribers to The Oxford Library of the World's Greatest Books.  [x], 496pp, illustrated. Quarter bound in red leather over redcloth boards, richly decorated in gilt on front, rear and spine, gilt titles on a  spine with three raised bands.  All edges gilt.  Marbled endpapers. Smyth-sewn binding, printed on acid-free paper. Satin ribbon marker bound in. 8vo.  Very slight bump on upper leading corner.  Gift inscription, dated 1987, on first free leaf. The Franklin Library (a division of the Franklin Mint) was one of the leading producers of great books in fine bindings in the 20th century. Made between 1981 and 1985 the Oxford/Franklin volumes are stunning and outstanding for their production qualities. Oxford University Press specially chose the Franklin Library to design and produce its World’s Greatest Books series because of its unsurpassed skill in achieving a premium-quality product: each of the Oxford books was to be ‘a wonder’, in the finest traditions of bookbinding. Books in the World’s Greatest Books series were produced as limited editions in either full leather or quarter leather bindings A truly, gorgeously handsome volume, designed to become an heirloom, in collectible and gift condition.