The Ring and The Book.

First edition of Robert Browning's greatest work. Octodecimo, four volumes, contemporary tree calf bound in full morocco with gilt titles and tooling to the spines in six compartments within gilt raised bands, gilt ruling to boards, marbled endpapers, all edges marbled. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the second free endpaper, "Robert Browning wishes he had been privileged to give this work to his friends. Nov. 30. '75." The recipient, George Craik was a partner in Macmillan and Co., who married author Dinah Maria Mulock in 1864. Mulock was a friend and correspondent of Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and dedicated her novel 'The Head of the Family' to Elizabeth. In very good condition with rubbing to the extremities, splitting to the hinges of volume four, and skillful rebacking to preserve the original spines of each volume. From the library of noted collector William A. Strutz with his small bookplate to the pastedown, with an additional ownership plate from George Lillie Craik. Housed in a custom folding chemise and half morocco slipcase.