Green cloth boards with gilt print on spine. The set is ex library, but as it was a reference copy it remains in excellent condition apart from the usual library markings. Included in its faults is that in each volume the bar code has been neatly cut out from the head of the front end paper. Else a solid set. Customers please note this is a very heavy multi volunme set which will attract additional postage, high for overseas customers.Full tite: "The Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture: a discussion, for the amateur, and the professional and commercial grower, of the kinds, characteristics and methods of cultivation of the species of plants grown in the regions of the United States and Canada for ornament, for fancy, for fruit and for vegetables; with keys to the natural families and genera, descriptions of the horticultural capabilities of the states and provinces and dependent islands, and sketches of eminent horticulturists." "A highly inclusive reference work covering the conditions, plants and procedures of American gardening and small-scale agriculture. L.H. Bailey was considered the "Dean of American Horticulture", and his work, out of his offices at Cornell University, established American horticulture as the equal or better of that practiced in any other country on earth. Many of the scientific plant names have been revised over the last century, but online resources make it simple to find the current names. Most interesting are the procedures, often described in great detail, for effective gardening in a time before motorized vehicles, easily-available electricity, industrial pesticides and fertilizers and other modern things we now take for granted. This alone makes these volumes of great interest for those pursuing "greener" gardening. These volumes are part of a body of work by L.H. Bailey of various titles including "Cyclopedia of American Horticulture" and the three editions of "Hortus" ("Hortus", "Hortus Second" and "Hortus Third"). This work began at the end of the 19th century and continued into the 1970s when Bailey's offices produced the vastly updated and expanded "Hortus Third".) Many different editions and printings of all of the works exist, and it is often necessary to view a particular copy in order to determine if it will provide the information sought. On the other hand, all of the editions and forms, from the earliest to the last, are among the best references for idle reading. Open a volume to a random page, and soon enough you will find that your knowledge has been significantly increased!" (web review)