EMERSON, Ralph Waldo (1803–1882). The Complete Works. Cambridge: Riverside Press, 1903–04. [With:] Journals, 1820–1876. Cambridge: Riverside Press, 1909–14.

Fine set of Emerson’s works and journals from the Riverside Press, with autograph manuscript leaf from his essay on English traits. The leaf from Emerson’s manuscripts tipped into the present set of the Riverside Press’ edition of his works comes from his essay on English traits: “It is they who have impressed their directness and practical habit of civilization […] The Englishman wears a sensible coat buttoned to the chin, of rough, hut solid [and] lasting texture. If he is a lord, he dressed a little worse than a commoner. They have diffused the taste for plain substantial hats, shoes [and] coats, through Europe.”

22 vols, octavo (220 × 147mm). Both sets nos. 29 of 600 each. Autograph manuscript tipped in to first vol. of Works from his essay “English Traits”, photogravure illustrations (leaves toned at edges, occasional light spotting and offsetting). Contemporary American red morocco, uniformly gold-tooled with panel design featuring floral cornerpieces, spines lettered in gold with compartments tooled in gold with floral design, board edges ruled in gold, top edges gilt, turn-ins tooled in gold with vines and floral motives, red marbeled endleaves (few light scratches and bumps, spines slightly darkened). Provenance: Mortimer L. Schiff (1877–1932; leather label).