Johnson's New Universal Cyclopaedia: a Scientific and Popular Treasury of Useful Knowledge (in 4 Large volumes)
New York: A.J. Johnson & Son, 1876. Thick Quartos. Item #027132
In four volumes Illustrated with maps, plans and textual engravings. With numerous contributions from writers of distinguished eminence in every department of letters and science in the United States and in Europe. The editors included such scholars as Asa Gray of Harvard and Joseph Henry of the Smithsonian who also wrote definitive articles (many of which are cited today). Originally designed to have 4700 pages in three volumes, it became evident that a fourth volume would be required. The plan led to 6,983 pages of text with intext illustrations. The maps are unnumbered as is the various pages of those who reviewed the set's importance. Former President Grant considered it essential as did Hamilton Fish, Winfield Hancock and Alexander Stephens. A lavishly bound set in full brown morocco, lettered and decorated in gilt, spine and all edges gilt, marbled endpapers (volume two lacking a front endpaper) Each volume has fabric sewn on the free marbled endpapers appearing as to protect the endpapers, but there is no evidence of tears.The upper boards are stamped with a gift inscription : Frank G. Weston, 1876. From Grandmother Weston. (it was also issued in cloth).
Price: $875.00