Five volumes, octavo with 149 engraved portraits, binding of ornately gilt brown leather. An attractive set of this major literary work by Walpole. Although his literary reputation rests principally upon his voluminous correspondence, he also produced a number of substantial books, including this set with its useful collection of biographical accounts and engraved portraits. As a carefully researched and honest assessment of the literary contributions of a significant number of lesser known writers (figures whose rank in society was generally greater than their reputations and abilities as authors), the work is of particular value.