About this Item
? Rare 1900 Limited Edition Historic Volume ? Only 1,000 Copies Printed
The Library of Historic Characters and Famous Events of All Nations and All Ages
Volume IX ? Testimonial Edition (very limited)
Published 1900 · J. B. Millet, Boston
This copy is individually numbered (Copy No. 507)
Step back into world history with this beautifully produced, turn-of-the-century collector?s volume, published in 1900 and issued in a strictly limited run of only 1,000 numbered copies. This is Volume IX of the acclaimed Library of Historic Characters and Famous Events, edited by leading scholars of the era, including A. R. Spofford (Librarian of Congress, Emeritus).
?? Illustrated with Photogravure Plates
This volume includes a dedicated List of Photogravure Plates, featuring full-page photogravures reproduced from original works by notable artists such as J. L. G. Ferris, W. Camphausen, G. Richter, A. Cabanel, and others. Subjects include dramatic historical scenes and portraits, such as:
The Speech of Titus before Jerusalem (Frontispiece)
Marlborough at Blenheim
Empress Maria Theresa
Queen Louise of Prussia
Emperor Napoleon III
Emperor William I and His Suite
Death of Gordon at Khartoum
Photogravure was a premium illustration process of the era, prized for its depth, tonal richness, and detail.
? Historical Scope & Content
This volume spans ancient history through the 19th century, covering major figures and defining events across Europe, the Americas, and beyond. Featured subjects include:
Roman emperors (Vespasian, Titus, Trajan, Hadrian)
Medieval and Renaissance rulers
Enlightenment thinkers and statesmen
American political and military leaders
European monarchs, revolutionaries, and empire-builders
A remarkable snapshot of how history was studied, written, and illustrated at the dawn of the 20th century.
? Why Collectors Want This
Authentic 1900 publication
Limited Testimonial Edition to just 1,000 copies
Illustrated photogravure plates after great artists and authentic portraits
Sturdy cloth binding
Gilt spine titling
Several uncut pages
Thick, deckle-edged pages
Heavy, thick paper stock with age-toned edges
Scholarly editorial oversight
Broad, classical historical scope
Ideal for collectors of antique history books, decorative libraries, or academic reference
This volume is hand-numbered ?507? in red copy pencil on the limitation page, consistent with early 20th-century publisher or bookseller practice.
Condition
Antique hardcover volume in overall good, original condition for its age (circa 1900). Original blue cloth binding remains intact and firmly attached, with expected age-related wear, including surface rubbing, fading, and scattered spotting, discoloration, light staining. The front cover shows faint white surface markings/ghost writing. Markings appear superficial and do not penetrate the cloth. and rear cover show age-appropriate wear including spotting, rubbing and slight discoloration.
The spine is intact with legible gilt titling, though rubbed and worn from age. Front & back inner hinge/gutter shows splitting and cloth exposure, affecting the cover only (not a text leaf). Binding remains structurally sound, but these areas shows honest wear typical of well-preserved antiques.
Page edges are deckle-cut/untrimmed, uneven by design, with age toning and natural roughness consistent with early 20th-century production. Pages are complete, with no missing text noted. Interior shows light foxing, age toning, and occasional small edge tears, primarily at the margins. No major stains within the text.
Overall, a genuine, close to untouched antique showing its age with dignity ? not restored, not modernized ? and retaining strong appeal for collectors of early historical reference works.
IMPORTANT - Carefully review all photos ?they are part of the description and accurately reflect condition. This volume is sold as-is due to age and returns are not accepted due to the publication's fragility.
Seller Inventory # ABE-1769683781431
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