“ONE OF THE MOST PICTURESQUE, MOST VIVID AND MOST ACTUAL PIECES OF HISTORICAL NARRATIVE IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE” (BRITANNICA)

KINGLAKE, A[lexander] W[illiam]. The Invasion of the Crimea: Its Origin, and An Account of Its Progress Down to the Death of Lord Raglan. Edinburgh and London: William Blackwood and Sons, 1890-96. Nine volumes. 12mo, mid-20th century three-quarter red morocco gilt, raised bands, marbled boards and endpapers, top edges gilt, uncut. $2200.

“Cabinet Edition” of Kinglake’s monumental and memorable account of the Crimean War, widely hailed as a classic of historical literature, handsomely bound by Worsfold.

Kinglake served in the Crimean War and following the conflict, at the request of Lord Raglan, commander of Britain's forces in the Crimea, he "made the most elaborate inquiry into every incident… [He] carefully compared all the available evidence, and spared no labor in polishing the style of the narrative… The literary ability… is remarkable; the spirit of the writing is never quenched by the masses of diplomatic and military information; the occasional portraits of remarkable men are admirably incisive; the style is invariably polished to the last degree; and the narrative as lucid as it is animated" (DNB XI:172). With numerous maps, including 34 folding, some in color. First published 1863-87, in eight volumes.

A few minor scuffs to extremities. An about-fine set, handsomely bound.