John Ruskin - Modern Painters - 1873

John Ruskin - Modern Painters (Complete 5-Volume Set) - 1873 - Rare "Autograph Edition" Signed by the AuthorDescription :A complete and rare 5-volume set of the monumental work Modern Painters by the celebrated Victorian art critic John Ruskin, published in London by Smith, Elder & Co. in 1873.This 1873 edition holds crucial historical significance: it is the very first uniform complete edition of all five volumes together, with a strict print run limited to only 1,000 copies due to wear of the original steel engraving plates.Exceptional feature: At the end of the Preface of Volume I, the work bears the original handwritten signature of John Ruskin in black ink, affixed by his own hand to authenticate this exceptional print run (« ...with my own hand this preface to every copy, thus certifying... »).Copy details :Author: John Ruskin, LL.D.Publisher: Smith, Elder and Co., 15 Waterloo Place, London.Year: 1873.Binding: Original publisher's textured brown cloth, with rich gilt decorations and titles on the spine.Condition (To restore / Ideal for collectors):The interiors are generally clean with scattered age-toned foxing (visible in the photos), but the paper remains solid. The plates and engravings off- text are well preserved.External bindings show pronounced signs of wear due to time:The spine of Volume II is very heavily damaged, split with significant losses along the joints and at the head cap.The top and bottom caps of the other volumes (notably IV and V) are chipped and rubbed.The gilt decorations on the spines remain bright and legible.An exceptional opportunity to acquire a numerically limited and author-signed copy from one of the most influential intellectuals of the 19th century, perfect for a restoration project.