A unique set of four custom-bound volumes, containing the complete 275 pages of Childe Harold's Pilgrimage: A Romaunt by Lord Byron, London: John Murray 1855, interspersed with over 350 prints, many before lettering, and collectively bound into an expanded four volumes. Prints include over twenty portraits of Byron along with Angelica Kauffmann's portrait etching of Johann Winckelmann with collector's mark of Sir Joshua Reynolds' en verso, rare Percy Shelley portrait etching by W. B. Scott ("private print, 50 copies") from a bust by Leigh Hunt, and an original ink painting of the colosseum. Green Morocco with gilt stamping on covers and spine, raised bands, marbled endpapers; stamped in gilt on the bottom inside edge of each front board "Bound by W. Pratt". From the collection of Peter Marié (1826-1903), a New York socialite and renowned collector of art and literature, and likely commissioned by him. This set was auctioned after Marié's death in 1903 (along with many other pieces) by the American Art Association at a 4-day auction event in April of that year. 11 1/4" x 9". 

The following is the relevant excerpt from the 1903 Catalogue of the Art and Literary Treasures Collected by the Late Peter Marié (page 29):  "128. Childe Harold's Pilgrimage. A Romaunt. (With Notes.) 1 vol. extended to 4, by the insertion of 380 very fine portraits and plates. 4 vols., 4to, green levant morocco extra, gilt edges, by Pratt. Murray. London, 1855. Large paper edition, illustrated by the insertion of 23 portraits of Byron, mostly proofs on India paper, and most of them rare, and 357 choice portraits and plates, mostly proofs on India paper, many of them before letter. The few plates which are not of the size of the book neatly inlaid to size. Specially printed title-page to each volume. A few of the noticeable plates in these sumptuous volumes are (besides the portraits of Byron above noted), many exquisite engravings by Finden, proofs and proofs before letter on India paper; Sir Walter Scott, by C. Picart, proof on India paper; Shelley, etching on India paper by W. B. Scott from a bust by Mrs. Leigh Hunt, "private print, 50 copies " only struck off; Canova, by Worthington; Machiavelli, by Cipriani; Washington, by Blanchard after Couder; finely executed painting in India ink of the Coliseum; Cosmo de' Medici, by Perfetti; unlettered proofs of Napoleon, Rousseau, Goldsmith, Dryden Alfieri, Boccaccio, etc."

Note: Bookbinder William Pratt was one of the leading English bookbinders of the mid to late nineteenth century, having learned the art from his father. 

Biographical Note: "Peter Marié was the son of a French shipping merchant who traded with Mexico and the uncle of Mrs. George Hunt Pendleton. He was a leading member of the "Four Hundred" and commissioned 300 miniature portraits of Gilded Age socialites. He was described by a contemporary as someone who, "had spent most of his life in study and travel, and whose collection of snuff-boxes was unrivaled. He had picked up many art treasures during his wanderings, and his parties were famous, for at them one could always reckon to meet the most charming people. He was of a poetical turn, and once gave a remarkable dinner, for which the invitations were written in poetry and those invited were asked to respond in verse. A beautiful prize was awarded to the guest who composed the best answer, and I believe that Miss (Elizabeth Marshall) Lamson, now Lady (Victor Arthur Wellington) Drummond, was the winner. Peter Marié and Ward McAllister were "Brummellian" types... (he) was content to take life as he found it (and) represented the rapidly disappearing old French type; he looked like an aristocrat of the time of Louis XV, and possessed all the polished manners of the period." He lived for many years in New York at 48 West 19th Street before retiring to 6 East 37th Street. He summered in Bar Harbor, Maine, and Newport, Rhode Island. He did not marry nor had any children." (from American Aristocracy website,   https://americanaristocracy.com/people/peter-marie ).

Overall very good condition with some foxing and toning throughout; minor bumping to corners, rear board of Vol. IV with 3/4" scuff.