B002YOJ9SY This book is Volume 2 only. Where available, there may be a photo of the front cover. The complete set has six volumes. Hardcover with blue boards, unique in that it has deckled edges, from presumed hand cutting typical of the era, but the top margin is still uncut, presumably as it came from the bindery, indicating the book is yet unread after over a century. An ex-libris sticker on the inside of the front cover, (left endpaper) from a previous owner, a narrow crack inside of the second page reveals a trace of the crash fabric lining of the binding inside, either from being dropped or from age, however the binding otherwise seems still sturdy. Spotting here and there on the pages, notably on the title page where there is a 1/4 inch oval spot near the volume number, and another smaller spot further down the page, perhaps from age, since the edges show some typical yellowing. The gilded titles on the spine and front cover are in good shape showing only minor, if any real wear. The front cover has a side facing profile portrait of Wagner in his later years, also gilded with marks suggesting an ancient scroll. There is an ungilded imprint on the front cover from the portrait down to another impression of the Sacred Heart, with the gilding of a crown of thorns surrounding the icon. Curiously, on the opposite side of the cover is another imprint without gilding of three concentric circles surrounded by a fourth circle made up of small circular dots. The overall impression of the design of the entire front cover is of a fin-de-siecle / Art Nouveau design. In the center of the circle is a left facing swastika drawn in an almost primitive style, providing a curious harbinger of things to come. There is some noticeable shelf wear at the top and bottom of the spine and the corners of the covers show some abrasion where the blue pigment has worn away. Usually ships with delivery confirmation.