The Complete Diary of Samuel Pepys: Tercentenary Boxed Set (12 volumes)

2000. First U.S paperback edition. 12 volume set and slipcase. Volumes 1-10 are the diary, volume 11 is an index, and volume 12 is a 'Pepys Anthology'. Slight toning to the spines of volumes 4,5,6. Browning to the top edge of all volumes, adjacent to the spine. very slight crease down the spine of volume 1. Otherwise the set is in excellent condition with no inscriptions. Original slipcase also in excellent condition. PLEASE NOTE: Heavy set so extra will be needed for postage for non-UK customers. "The Diary was first published in abbreviated form in 1825. A succession of new editions, re-issues and selections, published in the Victorian era, made the Diary one of the best-known books, and Pepys one of the best-known figures, of English history. But in none of these versions – not even in the Wheatley, which for long stood as the standard edition – was there a reliable, still less a full text, and in none of them was there a commentary with any claim to completeness. This edition was in preparation for many years, and remains the first in which the entire Diary is printed and in which an attempt has been made at systematic comment on it. The primary aim of the principal editors was to see that the Diary was presented in a manner suitable to the historical and literary importance of its contents. At the same time they had in mind the interests of the wide public of English-speaking people to whom the diarist himself, rather than the importance of what he wrote, is what matters.".…