The History and Antiquities of Freemasonry, Its Antiquties, Symbols, Constitutions, Customs, etc – Embracing an Investigation of the Records of Organisations of the Fraternity of England, Scotland, Ireland, British Colonies, France, Germany, and the United States

Complete in three volumes. 1885-7. [vi], 504pp; [ii], 502pp; [ii], 502pp. Each volume illustrated with tissue-guarded engraved plates (portraits, masonic seals etc – mostly monochrome but two of the plates towards the end of volume two are in colour). Three matching volumes bound in full red leather with gilt decorations and lettering, smooth bevelled edges, five raised bands to spine, all edges gilt, inner gilt dentelles, marbled endpapers. (Boards a little worn, rubbed and lightly scuffed on edges and around raised bands, with a few scattered marks and indentations, especially on the versos of volumes two and three. Previous owner’s inscription, dated 1888, in each volume, indicating that they were presented to the Provincial Grand Lodge Library, West Yorkshire. Small, occasional Grand Lodge Library stamps. There is also an inscription on the front free endpaper of volume one, which is faded along the leading edge. The gutter between the front endpapers of volume three has an sympathetic repair. Faint, occasional spotting. An imposing and handsome set. Gould’s history of Freemasonry is still considered one of the key authorities of the genre, it was re-issued several times, in various formats in the latter part of the 19th century. Large 4tos. A large and heavy set which will incur an additional charge for overseas delivery.