Harper's Magazine: Vols. 1-12, 1850-1856 - antiquarian leatherbound matched set

First 12 volumes of the influential Harper's New Monthly Magazine, bound in 3/4 crimson leather, with marbled boards and gilt spine lettering. Vol. 1 is dated 1850; vol. 12 goes through May 1856. Varying wear to these books; most show edgewear, fading of spines or rubbing, some scattered foxing; set is good overall. Volumes V and VI show heaviest fading of leather spines, all others appear deep red, these have gone to lighter brown. Significant literary contributions to these volumes includes the serialization of works by Dickens, such as "Little Dorritt" and "Bleak House," and the first appearance in print of what would become Herman Melville's epic "Moby Dick," here titled "The Town-Ho's Story" in Vol. III. This is the only portion of the story to be published prior to the book issue and the first portion to be published anywhere. Other contents include illustrations on fashion, essays on health, travel diaries, political notes, etc. Each volume is approx. 800 pages. 7 x 9 inches.