Dante Alighieri

Lo Inferno. 1902, limited to 149 copies of which this is one of 135 on paper; Lo Purgatorio. 1904, limited to 170 copies of which this is one of 150 on paper, erratum slip at end; Lo Paradiso. 1905, limited to 170 copies of which this is one of 150 on paper; all 8vo, woodcut illustrations, initials supplied by hand in gold, red, blue and green by Graily Hewitt, original limp vellum, silk ties, some very minor soiling and spotting to edges (3)

Hornby XIII, XX and XXI

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A FINE SET. Given the smaller limitation of the first volume, complete sets are uncommon.

The first volume includes a loosely inserted autograph letter signed ("C.H. St. J. Hornby") presenting Catterson-Smith with a copy of Lo Inferno and noting "...it has been so long on the stocks that you will almost have forgotten doing the drawings for the woodcuts. They add not a little to the success of the book" (8vo, 1 page, Shelley House, Chelsea, 29 May 1903).