Vanity Fair. 2 Volumes

New York / Oxford: The Limited Editions Club / Oxford University Press, 1931. Hardcover. Very Good. Hardcover. Number 1100 of 1500 copies, signed by the illustrator. A novel following the lives of two women during and after the Napolenonic Wars. According to the LEC's Monthly letter promoting this book: "'Vanity Fair' is an English book ... covering a large area, a tapestry upon which are woven some of the most interesting and most famous characters in literary history, although G.K. Chesterton in his introduction for this edition says that in 'Vanity Fair' the chief character is the World ... The book itself in all probability belongs to the group of (truncated) books which you have always felt you should read, which you have always wanted to read, but which you have never read." And if you find that is the case for you, this is an excellent edition to start with as it is adorned with lovely illustrations. British book illustrator John Archibald Austen (1886 - 1948) had various styles throughout his career with influences of Aubrey Beardsley and Harry Clarke apparent in his early works. The illustrations for this edition are black and white line drawings to which subtle color was later added. Dark pink cloth over patterned paper covered boards with gilt titles to spines. Minor browning to spines and boards. Occasional spots of foxing to interiors, but clean and bright overall. Includes the monthly letter from the Limited Editions Club, July 1931. Continuous pagination, 772 pages. Sets may require an extra shipping fee. LIT/012925. (Inventory #: 37787)