GOETHE, Johann Wolfgang von (1749-1832). Werke, Vollständige Ausgabe letzter Hand. Stuttgart and Tübingen: J. G. Cotta, 1827-1842.

First edition in large octavo of the definitive complete works, rare as a complete set, furthermore inclusive of the volume of indexes published by Christian Musculus. The first 40 volumes were carefully edited by Goethe himself whilst alive, whereas the last 20 volumes – which are identified in the title-pages as ‘posthumous’ are often missing from copies on the market – were only planned by Goethe, and edited by Eckermann, Riemer and F. von Müller after the poet’s death. Hagen 24-24a.

61 volumes, octavo (190 x 120mm). Engraved plate and 2 half-page engravings, 8 folded charts (engraved portrait which is only sometime present, quire 8 in vol. 14 misbound, a handful of insignificant holes and tears in 5 volumes without loss, inconspicuous occasional marginal restorations, minimal stains throughout vol. 40). Contemporary quarter calf, marbled boards, gilt spine with contrasting morocco lettering pieces, marbled pastedowns and endpapers (7 vols with spines rebacked, the original spine laid on, some joints cracked but holding, spine extremities chipped, corners and edges rubbed). Provenance: early quotation from the beginning of the ‘Magnificat’ canticle in German (pasted into the gutter of vol. 3) - Fritz Kirchhoff (1901-1953, bookplate) - unidentified recent bookplate.

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