HOLLAND

208 x 142 mm. (8 1/4 x 5 1/2"). Two volumes. Translated from the 13th edition of the Italian by Helen Zimmern. Publisher's very attractive red cloth, upper covers with gilt frame of tulip sprigs enclosing a central field semé with dots, flat spine with gilt lettering, gilt dots and tulip sprigs, top edges gilt. Housed in original red cloth dust jackets and matching slipcase (the latter slightly worn and with spine covered by (original?) paper, not cloth (as issued?). With 44 photogravure plates, all with lettered guards, and with a folding color map of the Netherlands. Front pastedowns with pasted-on engraved visiting card of Stanford Newel, the U.S. Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the Netherlands and Luxemburg [sic], and Newel's Christmas gift inscription to Eliza Stevens, dated 1906. Dust jackets with faint fading to spines and minor fraying at spine ends, first couple of leaves (including frontispiece) with small pink stain in upper corner, otherwise an exceptionally fine set with only trivial internal imperfections, the bindings in superb condition. In fine condition and in the original cloth dust jackets, this handsome set is an armchair traveller's delight, with lovely bindings brimming with tulips, entertaining descriptions of the major cities and historic towns of the Netherlands, and attractive photogravures. The English text was translated from the Italian travelogue of Edmondo de Amicis (1846-1908), first published in 1874, with photographs taken expressly for this edition. Images include important churches and monuments, picturesque canals, tree-lined parks, local people dressed in traditional garb, and, of course, a windmill. This work can easily be found on the market, but not in the condition seen here.…