The Harvard Classics Nine Greek Dramas Volume 8 Appraisal

The Harvard Classics: Nine Greek Dramas (Volume 8)

This is a single volume from the renowned 'Harvard Classics' collection, specifically Volume 8 containing 'Nine Greek Dramas' by Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, and Aristophanes. The volume is part of the 'Five-Foot Shelf of Books' series edited by Charles W. Eliot and published by P.F. Collier & Son in New York. The book features a cloth-bound hardcover in a deep maroon or burgundy color with a textured finish. The title page showcases a distinctive orange or terracotta-colored colophon/seal and clean, professional typography characteristic of early-to-mid 20th-century mass-market classic editions. Facing the title page is a black-and-white gravure-style frontispiece illustration depicting an ancient Greek theater. Physically, the paper shows mild age-toning, consistent with its vintage nature, likely dating from the 1909 to 1930s production period. There are visible 'foxing' spots or small brown stains along the top edge of the frontispiece page, which indicates exposure to humidity over time. The binding appears structurally intact, though more volumes from the set are visible in the background, suggesting this is part of a larger collection. Such editions were designed for the Everyman and emphasize clarity and durability over luxury materials, utilizing machine-made paper and standard cloth bindings.