“The Life of Frederic the Second, King of Prussia” — Lord Dover (1832)
Two-Volume First Edition • Contemporary Full-Calf Gilt Bindings
Website Description
A distinguished early-Victorian two-volume biography of Frederick the Great—one of Europe’s most influential monarchs—written by Lord Dover and published in London, 1832 by the esteemed house of Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown & Green.
This handsome matching set is bound in contemporary full polished calf, with raised bands, ornate gilt tooling, and contrasting morocco spine labels in deep red and green. The bindings are classic early-19th-century British craftsmanship—clean, elegant, and purposefully made for refined private libraries of the period. The gilt edges along the text block and boards add a subtle but unmistakable touch of luxury.
Inside, the volumes open with an engraved portrait of Frederic II, sourced from an original royal collection portrait, dated Sept. 1831—a beautiful and historically meaningful frontispiece.
Lord Dover’s work was one of the earliest widely accessible English-language accounts of Frederick’s life, detailing:
• His military brilliance and the rise of Prussia as a European power
• His Enlightenment ideals and correspondence with figures like Voltaire
• His personal life, leadership style, and influence across Europe
In the 1830s, Frederick the Great captured the British imagination as a model of modern kingship—strategic, cultured, and uncompromising. These volumes helped cement that reputation.
The set shows expected light foxing on engraved pages and some gentle shelf wear—completely typical for books nearing 200 years old, and part of their charm. Structurally sound, clean, and absolutely beautiful as decorative objects or functional antiques for a curated library.
Details
• Author: Lord Dover
• Title: The Life of Frederic the Second, King of Prussia
• Publisher: Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown & Green
• Publication Date: 1832
• Volumes: 2 (complete)
• Binding: Full contemporary calf, gilt-tooled
• Condition: Strong and clean with light foxing to the frontispiece; bindings tight
• Frontispiece: Engraved portrait dated “Sept’r 1831”
Why We Love It
This is the kind of set you picture in a paneled study or on the shelves of a European townhouse—warm leather, rich gilt, and the weight of history behind it. A perfect blend of beauty and scholarship, and a timeless accent for any elevated space.
“The Life of Frederic the Second, King of Prussia” — Lord Dover (1832)
Two-Volume First Edition • Contemporary Full-Calf Gilt Bindings
Website Description
A distinguished early-Victorian two-volume biography of Frederick the Great—one of Europe’s most influential monarchs—written by Lord Dover and published in London, 1832 by the esteemed house of Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown & Green.
This handsome matching set is bound in contemporary full polished calf, with raised bands, ornate gilt tooling, and contrasting morocco spine labels in deep red and green. The bindings are classic early-19th-century British craftsmanship—clean, elegant, and purposefully made for refined private libraries of the period. The gilt edges along the text block and boards add a subtle but unmistakable touch of luxury.
Inside, the volumes open with an engraved portrait of Frederic II, sourced from an original royal collection portrait, dated Sept. 1831—a beautiful and historically meaningful frontispiece.
Lord Dover’s work was one of the earliest widely accessible English-language accounts of Frederick’s life, detailing:
• His military brilliance and the rise of Prussia as a European power
• His Enlightenment ideals and correspondence with figures like Voltaire
• His personal life, leadership style, and influence across Europe
In the 1830s, Frederick the Great captured the British imagination as a model of modern kingship—strategic, cultured, and uncompromising. These volumes helped cement that reputation.
The set shows expected light foxing on engraved pages and some gentle shelf wear—completely typical for books nearing 200 years old, and part of their charm. Structurally sound, clean, and absolutely beautiful as decorative objects or functional antiques for a curated library.
Details
• Author: Lord Dover
• Title: The Life of Frederic the Second, King of Prussia
• Publisher: Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown & Green
• Publication Date: 1832
• Volumes: 2 (complete)
• Binding: Full contemporary calf, gilt-tooled
• Condition: Strong and clean with light foxing to the frontispiece; bindings tight
• Frontispiece: Engraved portrait dated “Sept’r 1831”
Why We Love It
This is the kind of set you picture in a paneled study or on the shelves of a European townhouse—warm leather, rich gilt, and the weight of history behind it. A perfect blend of beauty and scholarship, and a timeless accent for any elevated space.