THOREAU, Henry David - 5 with covers by Margaret Armstrong [Crowell, 1908-13]

THOREAU, Henry David. A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers, Walden, Maine Woods, Cape Cod, and Excursions.

New York: Thomas Y. Crowell, 1908–1913. First thus (except "Cape Cod," Second Edition). Each volume 8.5" x 6" in publisher’s green cloth, decorated in gilt with Margaret Armstrong’s Art Nouveau designs on front board and spine. Illustrated throughout with photographs by Clifton Johnson. Top edges gilt.

"A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers" [1911]. Black band along spine. Ex-libris paste-down on front pastedown; library info and 4-inch tear to paper on rear pastedown. Slight age toning. Tight and square.

"Walden" [1910]. Inscription and price in pencil on first free endpaper. Loose tissue guard at title page. Slight age toning. Tight and square.

"The Maine Woods" [1909]. Some spots along spine. Inscription on first free endpaper. One-inch tear to rear pastedown. Slight stain to upper right of rear board. Some age toning.

"Cape Cod" [1908]. Second Edition. Protected in Mylar cover. No writing. Some age toning. Tight and square.

"Excursions" [1913]. Slight fraying at spine ends. Pencil notes on first free endpaper; embossed “Library of…” on lower right of first free endpaper. Paper split at rear pastedown but hinge sound. Some age toning.

A lovely and complete set of the five Thoreau volumes decorated by Margaret Armstrong. Overall Very Good, with minor flaws as described.

Margaret Armstrong (1867–1944) was one of the most celebrated American book designers of the early twentieth century, known for her distinctive Art Nouveau style. She created over 270 book covers, many featuring intricate floral and nature motifs rendered in gilt and colored stamping.