History of the United States (Centenary Edition) George Bancroft

This is a handsome, antique set of the "History of the United States of America, from the Discovery of the Continent" by George Bancroft. 1876; Little, Brown, and Company; Boston. Complete set in six volumes. This "Centenary Edition" was created to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. "Thoroughly Revised Edition." The volumes are beautifully bound in three-quarter leather with marbled covers, gilt lettering and decorations on the spines, marbled page edges on all sides of the text block, five raised bands on the spines, and marbled end papers. There is an Index at the back of volume VI. The set was the first large-scale history of the nation written by a native historian, and was celebrated as a testimonial to the national purpose. Although modern scholars have surpassed Bancroft's work in scope and accuracy, the original text and its revisions are a pleasure to read for their "passion" and "storytelling mastery." Condition: The set is in overall Very Good condition. The only notable condition flaws are with 3 of the front end papers: the front end paper of volumes I and VI are present but have detached, and the front end paper of volume IV has pulled from the spine halfway down from the top edge. The pages are in excellent condition and appear unread - clean with no issues found. All volumes are tightly bound with no cracks. All covers are firmly attached. There are small areas where the leather at the spine has peeled here and there. A very nice set.