Product Description

The handsome three-volume reproduction is so beautifully executed that it's almost indistinguishable from the 1768 original, right down to the natural age spots and watermarks on the pages. It serves as a time capsule of the world's knowledge and a must-have for collectors of history or vintage books, the set lends an unmistakable air of prestige to any home or office. Over Two hundred and thirty years ago in 1768, a 'Society of Gentlemen' undertook the publication of the world's first "Encyclopaedia Britannica", establishing a tradition of comprehensiveness and authority in general knowledge that has remained unsurpassed ever since. It took three years to compile and had far reaching effects. It took us just as long to create the 3-volume Replica first Edition "Encyclopaedia Britannica". And the result is a fascinating insight into the life and thoughts of Britain at the dawn of the age of invention. With the aid of modern technology we have skillfully retained the antique look of hand-set type, the rust marks of age, the watermark of the paper and the richly decorated binding of the original set. Beautifully illustrated with engravings by Andrew Bell, one of the founders of "Encyclopaedia Britannica", these three volumes, virtually indistinguishable from the First Edition original, are a book collector's dream. As an engrossing conversation piece, this set lends an air of prestige and beauty to any home or office library. If you love history or vintage books, you'll find it difficult to put down the fascinating volumes of the "Britannica First Edition Replica Set".

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #32512 in Books
• Published on: 1968-01-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 3
• Binding: Hardcover
• 2659 pages

Customer Reviews

Fascinating historical replica
A painstaking copy of the three-volume first edition of the Encyclopaedia Britannica, originally published in Edinburgh in 1771. It really is something special: a fascinating record of the extent of knowledge, both true and mistaken, of the time, with many contemporary illustrations. (The first volume has a large and absorbing section on Anatomy, a specialisation of academic Edinburgh - think Burke and Hare - which is why it only gets as far as the letter B!) This item will appeal to anyone with an interest in the period, to book collectors or even to libraries needing to complete their catalogues.
The quality of reproduction is astonishing: the paper looks and feels just right, the slightly uneven letterpress of the time is well copied and very persuasive signs of ageing (“light foxing”) have been incorporated. There is absolutely nothing to indicate that this isn’t an eighteenth century original.
In contrast, it must be acknowledged that the bindings, although also in the period style, are not real leather and do not seem as convincing as the contents. However, the work itself is of such quality that could be worthwhile to follow the practice of the time (books were then usually sold unbound) and arrange for your own binding, although I imagine this would be quite costly.

Just Woderful
This reproduction is good. The paper is watermarked and has age spots, which I imagine are copied from a real first edition. The age spots are a little irritating although they don't spoil the read they seem a little silly. The Bindings are very good quality but give the game away. However the books themselves are an absorbing read.
Much of the information is as relevant today as in the 1700's. There are recipes for bleach and laudanum, which might get you into trouble if you followed them. The article on Arithmetic is very good and would be helpful to a student even now. It's a fascinating read throughout and gives a very valid insight into the thinking of the better off gents of the period. I find that I keep picking the volumes up and I enjoy reading the articles a great deal. I also catch my eldest son reading the volumes often.
The style of printing takes a while to get used to, the most different letter being s, which looks a little like an f and can trip you up from time to time. I am delighted with these books and cannot imagine living without them now. When you consider the quality of the books and the bindings the price is very reasonable indeed. These books will certainly become a valued addition to any homes library and are a must have for any serious student of the 18th Century. The plates and illustrations are both interesting and artistically satisfying. Of all the books I have bought in the last year this is by far my favourite. This collection of books would make an excellent present for an intellectual relative or as a real and valuable treat for a youngster. A real treasure to pass on to later generations