The Life of George Washington; The Alhambra; The Adventures of Captain Bonneville U.S.A.

London: Sampson, Low, Marston, Searle and Rivington, 1880-1882 . Leather. Near Fine. 8.5" by 6.5". Not Stated. A very scarce full morocco seven volume set of American writer Washington Irving's works, including his biography of George Washington. A beautifully presented and very scarce set, from the library of English business magnate John Blundell Maple, owner of the furniture and upholstery manufacturer Maple & Co. Established in 1841, Maple found particular success during the Victorian and Edwardian eras. With maple's bookplate to each front pastedown, and the inscription 'J Blundell Maple, Christmas 1883' to the title page of each volume.The first five volumes of this set, published between 1881 and 1882, is Irving's biography of George Washington, the first US president. Illustrated with an engraved frontispiece and title page to each volume, a further twelve plates to volume I, seventeen to volume II, fourteen to volume III, ten to volume IV, and eight to volume V. Collated, complete.Also present is the 1880 edition of Irving's work on 'The Alhambra', a collection of essays, verbal sketches and stories. Illustrated with an engraved frontispiece and title page, and fourteen plates. Collated, complete.The seventh and final of these volumes is the 1880 edition of 'The Adventures of Captain Bonneville', a biographical and historical study of the explorer. Illustrated with a frontispiece, two plates, and a folding map. Collated, complete.A wonderful and very scarce set. In full morocco bindings. Light discolouration to back strips. A touch of rubbing to joint heads, otherwise externally excellent. Bookplates to front pastedowns. Internally, firmly bound. Inscriptions to heads of title pages. Pages clean and bright. Near Fine