[Lee, Guy Carleton, and Francis Newton Thorpe, eds.]

20 volumes, in 8s (8 1/4 x 5 1/4 in.; 210 x 133 mm). Frontispiece in each volume (and occasional other plates throughout) in four states (handcolored, tinted, chine appliqué, and tipped-in on heavy tissue), numerous facsimiles, maps, and portraits, many illustrations handcolored, many with lettered tissue-guards. Publisher's crushed green morocco, spines gilt-lettered and ruled in six compartments with gilt seal of the United States, front covers with gilt and onlay emblem of Federal eagle, elaborate brown and gray doublures, front doublures each with a handpainted miniature portrait of a president (Washington in vol. 1, Theodore Roosevelt in vol. 20), rear doublures with gilt Federal eagle, moiré silk doublures, all edges gilt; most spines faded to brown, a few slightly scuffed, but generally very good condition. Green cloth slipcases, fleece-lined; rather rubbed.

Joseph T. Kinsley (original subscriber, named on limitation page) — Cecil B. DeMille (bookplate)

20 volumes, in 8s (8 1/4 x 5 1/4 in.; 210 x 133 mm). Frontispiece in each volume (and occasional other plates throughout) in four states (handcolored, tinted, chine appliqué, and tipped-in on heavy tissue), numerous facsimiles, maps, and portraits, many illustrations handcolored, many with lettered tissue-guards. Publisher's crushed green morocco, spines gilt-lettered and ruled in six compartments with gilt seal of the United States, front covers with gilt and onlay emblem of Federal eagle, elaborate brown and gray doublures, front doublures each with a handpainted miniature portrait of a president (Washington in vol. 1, Theodore Roosevelt in vol. 20), rear doublures with gilt Federal eagle, moiré silk doublures, all edges gilt; most spines faded to brown, a few slightly scuffed, but generally very good condition. Green cloth slipcases.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

First edition, "Edition of the Presidents"; the most elaborate and most limited issue of this handsome and scholarly production. Printed on japon vellum and limited to just 25 or 26 sets ("one set for each President," so depending on how Grover Cleveland was counted), this issue is further enhanced by the sumptuous bindings and the inclusion, in the first volume, of an original clipped signature of George Washington. Each volume was written by a subject or period specialist under the general editorship of Lee and Thorpe.