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Remarkable 14 volume set (missing volume 1) of Irving's Works but most importantly includes a facsimile letter from Washington Irving to his publisher George Putnam. According to Historic Hudson Valley (the proprietors of Irving's estate Sunnyside in Irvington, NY), only a few copies of this facsimile letter exist and can be found in such collections as the Library of Congress, Harvard, Va. -Barrett, National Library of Scotland, New York State Library, Huntington Library, and Rosenberg Library of Galveston, Texas. Apparently these realistic copies were distributed by Putnam as promotional pieces in the 1800s. The letter from this set is laid in (pasted on the top rear) & folded inside the front cover of Vol 15 (The Alhambra). The letter is dated "Sunnyside Dec. 27th 1852" and reads: "My Dear Sir-Your parcel of books reached on Christmas morning. Your letter not being addressed to Dearman went to Tarrytown and did not come to hand until today. My nieces join with me in thanking you for the beautiful books you have sent us, and to you and Mrs. Putnam your wishes for a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. For my own especial part let me say how sensibly I appreciate the kind tone and expressions of your letter; but as to your talk of obligations to me I am conscious of none that have not been fully counterbalanced on your part; and I take pleasure in expressing the great satisfaction I have derived, throughout all our intercourses, from your amiable, obliging, and honorable conduct. Indeed I never had dealings with any man, whether in the way of business or friendship, more perfectly free from any alloy. That those dealings have been profitable is mainly owing to your own sagacity and enterprise. You had confidence in the continued vitality of my writings when____had almost persuaded me they were defunct. You called them again into active existence and gave them a circulation that I believe has surprised even yourself. In rejoicing at their success my satisfaction is doubly enhanced by the idea that you share in the benefits derived from it. Wishing you that continued prosperity in business which your upright enterprising, tasteful and liberal mode of conducting it merits, and is calculated to insure; and again invoking on you and yours a happy New Year. I remain very truly and heartily yours, Washington Irving." Of note, this letter first appeared in the Life & Letters of Washington Irving as compiled by his nephew Pierre. However, it was errantly transcribed by Pierre and is missing the line "had almost persuaded me they were defunct" which is in this letter. This 14 volume set was published between 1848 and 1851 (Author's Revised Edition). Dark green hardcover boards with embossed designs and gilt lettering on the spines. All bindings are tight with generally light wear to the edges, previous owner's bookplates inside, light soiling & occasional foxing to the pages (primarily the edges), page edges dusty and lightly soiled. The letter itself is in very good state with light age toning & creases from the fold, a few very minor tears to the edges, the ink is still fresh & dark.