Lapham's Quarterly Complete Collection
By Lewis H Lapham
- Stock Code:
- 1110002813641
- Publisher:
- New York: American Agora Foundation, 2007-2019
- Pages:
- 219 per book
SOLD
COMPLETE COLLECTION OF LAPHAM’S QUARTERLY IN 12 VOLUMES WITH MULTIPLE SIGNED LETTERS FROM THE AUTHOR. RARE IN COMPLETE STATE WITH SLIPCASES.
New York: American Agora Foundation. 4vo. 48 editions across 12 volumes in slipcases. Softcover. Published from 2007-2019. Pages: 219 per volume. All first printing. Slipcases bound in various colours and finishes all featuring image of Roman Republic Janus coin on both faces. 10 letters signed by Lapham as well as various subscription material.
Overall fine condition across the collection. Some volumes show minor scuffing, particularly in the older sets. One tear on the bottom crease of the slipcase of set VII. Some minor markings and pushing on corners of various slipcases. Fine and rare in complete state with signatured letters from Lapham in 10 of the volumes.
This full collection of Lapham’s Quarterly stands as a treasure of literature in an age overrun by the technological hollowing of our history and traditions. Hailed as an “antidote to digital-age ignorance” by the Smithsonian magazine, Lapham’s Quarterly is a seminal collection of expert writings on a vast range of topics. Each issue is devoted to a concept important to human history and contains excerpts and writings from experts. In totality, the full set comes close to crossing the breadth of human history, from ancient knowledge to modernity.
What elevates Lapham’s Quarterly beyond being simply an encyclopaedia set is its depth and ability to make connections. Rather than simply explaining concepts in an orderly manner, this set bridges the history of its focus, connecting and contextualising modern phenomena within history. With Lapham’s unfortunate passing within the last year, this collection stands as a testament to his legacy.
Deeply interested in the preservation of history and the continuation of historical understanding, Lapham’s mission is to fight the onset of technology pushing people away from history. As paraphrased by Lapham himself: “he who cannot draw on 3,000 years of learning is living hand to mouth.”
This full collection of Lapham’s Quarterly comprises of twelve volumes of four quarterly editions, each in a separate slipcase. In total, it comprises of 48 editions within 12 slipcases. Inside ten of the volumes is a printed letter from Lapham outlining briefly the contents of the editions in the volume and why they had been chosen. Also included are many pieces of subscription material (flyers, brochures, etc.) The collection was published between 2007-2019, whereupon publication ceased (one additional edition, “Energy”, has been released digitally but not in print).
In concert, these volumes present beautifully in their coloured slipcases. Though there are some age-related markings, they have been well preserved and are in an overall fine condition. This collection would be a fine addition to any bookshelf. They would also make an excellent gift for someone interested in learning or reading about history, young or old.
This book is currently not on display in store.
If you would like more information or to arrange a viewing, please contact: rarebooks@harryhartog.com.au