The Harvard Classics Book Set (The Five-Foot Shelf of Books)

This is a partial collection of 'The Harvard Classics', commonly known as Dr. Eliot's Five-Foot Shelf of Books. The volumes are bound in a distinctive deep maroon or burgundy buckram cloth, which was a standard binding for the early to mid-20th-century P.F. Collier & Son editions. Each volume features a gold-stamped Harvard crest (Veritas shield) on the front cover and gilded lettering on the spine detailing the volume number and title. The books appear to be octavo-sized. Visible condition issues include significant sun-fading on many of the spines, turning the original maroon to a lighter tan or brownish hue, and rubbing or shelf wear on the corners and edges. There is evidence of dust accumulation and potential foxing or toning on the exposed page edges. This specific edition style suggests a manufacture date between 1910 and 1930. The craftsmanship represents a mass-marketed educational set designed for durability and a classic aesthetic, aimed at providing a liberal arts education through a curated library. Individual volumes visible include volume 51 (Lectures) and volume 31 (Benvenuto Cellini), among others stacked in a blue plastic bin.