The Works of Rudyard Kipling
New York: Doubleday, Page & Company, 1914. The Seven Seas Edition Limited To One Thousand And Fifty Numbered Copies Of Which This Is NO. 282. Publishers Deluxe Full Polished Calf Bindings.
The Works of Rudyard Kipling: The Seven Seas Edition (Volumes I–XXIV)
Signed Limited Edition – Copy No. 282 of 1,050
Author: Rudyard Kipling
Publisher: Doubleday, Page & Company, Garden City, New York
Publication Date: 1913–1917
Edition: The Seven Seas Edition. Strictly limited to 1,050 numbered copies, of which this is number 282.
Signature: Volume I features the handwritten signature of Rudyard Kipling on the half title page.
Bibliographical Note
The Seven Seas Edition was originally conceived and published by Doubleday, Page & Company as a 23-volume set issued between 1913 and 1915. However, as Kipling continued to write, the publishers subsequently expanded the collection to encompass a final total of 27 volumes, released periodically over the following decade.
This offering comprises the original complete 23-volume run, plus the first of the supplementary volumes, A Diversity of Creatures, published in 1917, bringing the total to 24 beautifully matched volumes.
Binding & Physical Description
The set is masterfully bound in rich, dark brown/burgundy leather. The craftsmanship is exquisite, featuring:
- Spines: Traditional raised bands dividing the spine into compartments, which are heavily and elegantly tooled with intricate floral gilt decorations, alongside gilt-lettered titles and volume names.
- Boards: The covers are ruled in gilt with elaborate corner pieces and feature a striking gilt-stamped central medallion of an elephant—a classic motif deeply associated with Kipling's time in India.
- Edges & Pages: Top edges are brilliantly gilt (t.e.g.), while the fore and bottom edges are left uncut (deckled), preserving the traditional, high-quality feel of early 20th-century fine pressings. Clean, crisp typography on premium watermarked paper.
Included Volumes (Vols. 1–24)
- Actions and Reactions
- A Diversity of Creatures
- Captains Courageous
- Departmental Ditties, Barrack-Room Ballads, Etc.
- From Sea to Sea and Other Sketches I
- From Sea to Sea and Other Sketches II
- Just So Stories
- Kim
- Life's Handicap
- Many Inventions
- Plain Tales from the Hills
- Puck of Pook's Hill
- Rewards and Fairies
- Soldiers Three, The Story of the Gadsbys, In Black and White
- Songs from Books
- Stalky & Co.
- The Day's Work
- The Five Nations, The Seven Seas
- The Jungle Book
- The Light That Failed
- The Naulahka
- The Second Jungle Book
- Traffics and Discoveries
- Wee Willie Winkie and Other Stories
A set in near fine condition. A few small scuffs to leather, binding and hinges are excellent, internally bright and clean, without marks and no foxing. An exceptional set. Near Fine. Item #1040
Price: $5,500.00