[FINE PRESS BOOKS]. [LAKESIDE PRESS]. Complete Set of The Lakeside Classics. Chicago: The Lakeside Press R. R. Donnelley & Sons Company, [1903-2019]. Small 8vos. Several volumes illustrated. 117 volumes. Publisher's various-colored cloth bindings, front boards and spines stamped in gilt (some occasional rubbing). COMPLETE SET OF THE LAKESIDE CLASSICS THROUGH 2019.  Bindings are as follows: dark green cloth - 26 volumes; burgundy cloth -  25 volumes; blue cloth -  25 volumes; brown cloth - 25 volumes; bright green cloth - 16 volumes. 

An excellent example of this set, which is the longest-running continuous series of books published. These books are "understood to be a uniquely Chicago product...In his preface to the 1928 volume, Donnelley, reflecting on the commitment to continue the series for another twenty-five years, wrote, 'If the traditions of any press in America will continue for this length of time, we believe those of the Lakeside Press will.' The history of this venerable company and its annual Lakeside Classics is inextricably linked to, and closely interwoven with, the history of Chicago and its reputation as a place where commercial printing and the allied arts were pioneered and flourished..." (Coventry, Chicago by the Book 101 Publications that Shaped the City and its Image, p. 63). Lakeside Press published one book a year at Christmastime since 1903, first emphasizing American non-fiction, then American fiction, then world literature.

Earlier volumes have toned spines, some occasional wear, soiling, spines are occasionally unevenly toned, later volumes nearly as new, and many are in publisher's shrinkwrap. Very good to fine.