Richardson's Messages and Papers of the Presidents 1911 — 11 Vol. Leather Set

A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents, edited by James D. Richardson, Representative from the State of Tennessee, in the 1911 Bureau of National Literature edition (copyright 1897). The set traces the executive record from George Washington through William McKinley, gathering inaugural addresses, annual messages to Congress, veto messages, proclamations, and special communications, with biographical sketches and editorial notes prefacing each administration. Originally authorized by joint resolution of Congress in 1895, Richardson's compilation became the standard reference for presidential papers throughout the early twentieth century and remains a primary source for nineteenth-century executive history.

All eleven volumes are bound in black pebbled leather with elaborate gilt tooling — federal shield-and-laurel motifs in five spine panels, double gilt rules, and lettered compartments denoting volume number and inclusive pagination (Vol. I: 1–777 through Vol. X: 7205–8024, plus Vol. XI Index). Front boards carry a circular gilt Great Seal medallion lettered "The Presidents," with gilt rule borders and all edges gilt. Interiors include tipped-in chromolithograph plates published by the Bureau of National Literature and Art, among them a view of the State, War, and Navy Building with descriptive caption noting the structure's 1871–1893 construction.

CONDITION

Good overall with bindings intact and joints sound across all eleven volumes. Gilt to spines and front boards remains bright with only minor rubbing at extremities; leather shows light wear at corners and crowns consistent with age. Interiors are clean with text blocks tight and plates present.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Each volume: 10" H × 6.5" W × 2.5" D
• Volume count: 11 (Vols. I–X plus Index)
• Compiler: James D. Richardson, Representative from Tennessee
• Publisher: Bureau of National Literature, Washington D.C.
• Title page date: 1911 (Copyright 1897)
• Coverage: Washington through McKinley, pages 1–8024 plus Index
• Binding: Black pebbled leather, five-panel gilt-tooled spines with shield-and-laurel motifs
• Front boards: Gilt Great Seal medallion lettered "The Presidents," double gilt rule border
• Edges: All gilt
• Illustrations: Tipped-in chromolithograph plates including State, War, and Navy Building