First editions. Quarto. Seven volumes bound in three by Birdsall. Nineteenth century half-red morocco over marbled paper covered boards, spines lettered and decorated gilt. All edges gilt. Each volume with twenty-four biographies of notable poets, philosophers, artists, politicians and other notable cultural figures. Each biography opens with a portrait of its subject.
 
A very good set, spines a touch faded, some rubbing to extremities.