1890's WITS AND BEAUX best of Society by Grace & Philip Wharton, Illustrated, Bios

Great condition set of "Wits and Beaux of Society" by Grace and Philip Wharton. Circa 1890's (there is no date of publication stated); Porter & Coates; Philadelphia. The set features 20 engraved portraits (each with protective tissue paper with the subject's name printed on it). Gilt top page edges and ribbon page markers. The set includes biographical sketches of prominent English men. Complete in 2 volumes.

From the Preface:
"Our 'Wits' - to separate them from the 'Beaux' - were men who often took an active part in the stirring events of their day: they assumed to be statesmen, though, too frequently, they were only politicians. They were brave and loyal: indeed, in the time of the Stuarts, all the Wits were Cavaliers, as well as the Beaux."

Condition:
The set is in great condition both inside and out. Clean covers with no stains; sharp corners. Tight bindings with no cracks and no loose best pages. Clean pages with no issues found. Volume I is missing its ribbon page marker.