One of 1,050 numbered sets signed by author in Vol. 1. Twenty-eight volumes. 8vo. Photogravure frontispieces in each volume, with tissue guards. Title pages printed in red and black. Original quarter grey buckram with green paper covered boards, printed paper labels to spines, original green card slipcases. New York, Charles Scribner's Sons, 1924.
This edition, important in part because of the author's General Introduction to the set and prefaces to each volume which reveal his involvement with the selection and ordering of his writings, brings together H.G. Wells's well-known works of fiction, early and less known compositions such as The Euphemia Papers or The Land Ironclads, essays and extended journalism. Although now often associated with science fiction, this collection reveals the range of Wells's interests, from social commentary, both in fictional and non-fictional form, to philosophy and religion, and his lively style, from the comedic to the analytical.
Small booklabel of John Ruyle label on front pastedowns of each volume left upper corner of paste down, likely the poet and writer connected to the Pequod Press, a private press based in Berkeley, California that dealt in limited editions and for which he was printer in the 1980s.
A few gathering roughly opened with several related closed tears to blank margins, several occasional instances of minor thumbmarks and spotting, otherwise generally internally clean, slipcases generally slightly worn at extremities and knocked in places, a generally near fine set.
