A highly desirable, complete 9-division set of George Nicholson’s classic late-Victorian horticultural masterpiece. Published by L. Upcott Gill (London), this comprehensive set is beautifully bound in the original green publisher's cloth, featuring intricate blind-stamped floral and leaf motifs on the covers and spines. Unlike many broken or partial sets found on the market, this includes the complete baseline work (Divisions I through VIII) plus the scarce Division IX (The 1901 Century Supplement of New Varieties), representing the work in its absolute complete state.
This is a genuine antique set well over a century old. It has been handled and used as an honest reference work, showing standard age-related wear. Gilt lettering remains legible but shows varying degrees of fading. There is visible fraying, chipping, and minor cloth loss at the spine heads and tails from shelf removal. Division VI has a small, distinct puncture hole on the spine cloth. The original green cloth displays typical surface rubbing and shelf wear. The corner tips are bumped with slight fraying exposing the binder boards. Text blocks are surprisingly crisp and clean. The pages are free from heavy foxing (brown spots) or water damage. Toning to page edges is present as expected with age. This makes a fantastic addition to any botanical library, a wonderful gift for a dedicated gardener, or a beautiful decorative statement piece. Sold as seen. Please also see photographs.