EXTREMELY RARE TWO VOLUME SET bound together. This book, printed in 1862, provides numerous b&w portraits and short biographies of what the editor deemed to be the most important personages of the time, among them political leaders, opera singers, composers, actors and writers, mostly German. The book offers a rare glimpse into the popular culture of the 19th century German-speaking nations. 285x230mm. Unpaginated (144 full-page portraits preceded by a short biography of each personality). Rebound in tan Hardcover. Page edges marbled. Last page edges worn (Ch. Gounod`s portrait). Most pages bottom corner near binding water-stained - no damage to plates or text. Some page edge/corner slightly stained - no damage to plates or text. Pages slightly yellowing and somewhat wavy. [SUMMARY]: This unique cultural artifact is otherwise in good condition!