4 Volumes of Surtees Half Red Leather Books

Half Morocco leather

Highly illustrated

This set of sporting novels by Robert Smith Surtees includes Mr. Sponge’s Sporting Tour (1853), Handley Cross (1843), Ask Mamma (1858), and Plain or Ringlets? (1860). Surtees was a celebrated 19th-century English writer known for his humorous and satirical portrayals of English country life, particularly fox hunting and the social customs of the landed gentry. His works, filled with lively characters and exaggerated scenarios, provided both entertainment and social commentary, poking fun at the ambitions, pretensions, and eccentricities of the Victorian upper class. His novels were popular among both sporting enthusiasts and those who enjoyed a sharp critique of English country society.

The historical context of these books revolves around Victorian England’s obsession with country sports and class distinction. Fox hunting was not just a sport but a status symbol, and Surtees used it as a backdrop to explore themes of social climbing, deception, and the absurdities of aristocratic life. His characters often find themselves entangled in elaborate social games, whether they are scheming tricksters like Mr. Sponge, a con artist hopping from one estate to another, or clueless sportsmen attempting to navigate the rules of high society. Surtees’ works were widely read for their comic wit, clever dialogue, and vibrant illustrations, often drawn by the famed artist John Leech, who also worked with Charles Dickens.

This particular set is beautifully bound in Victorian half-leather bindings, featuring red Morocco leather spines with intricate gilt decoration and marbled boards. The gold tooling on the spine is elaborate and finely preserved, a hallmark of high-quality 19th-century bookbinding, often commissioned for private libraries or collectors. The marbled endpapers and page edges enhance the overall elegance of the set, making these books as visually appealing as they are literary treasures. The craftsmanship of the bindings reflects the Victorian era’s appreciation for finely made books, which were often displayed prominently in grand libraries.

Surtees’ novels remain highly entertaining and accessible, with fast-paced storytelling, comical misunderstandings, and a cast of exaggerated personalities that continue to delight modern readers. His works offer a satirical but affectionate portrait of English country life, making them a must-read for those interested in British sporting culture, Victorian humor, and social critique. His blend of sharp observation, lively characters, and sporting adventure ensures that these books remain classics of their genre.

The condition of this set is very good overall, with vibrant gilt detailing on the spines and well-preserved leather bindings. There is minor wear along the edges and corners, as expected for books of this age, with light rubbing to the leather and marbled boards. The bindings are sound and the spines remain strong, with only slight signs of use. Internally, the pages are clean and bright, with only minimal foxing, and the marbled endpapers remain intact and vibrant. This is a handsome and collectible set, ideal for both display and reading, embodying the elegance and literary charm of 19th-century English sporting fiction.

Condition: 

The spines have minor rubbing and fading to the binding. There is some tanning and foxing to the pages.