The Virginians.
London: Bradbury and Evans, 1857-1859. First Edition. First edition in the original 24 parts as issued. First issue, with “actresses” for “ancestresses” on p. 207, No. 7, line 15 from the bottom, in part 12, chapters XLVII-XLVIII misnumbered XLVIII-XLIX, and including the explanatory slip in part 20.
While generally well received at publication, time has not necessarily treated it kindly, with a modern commentator stating “[t]he Virginians is a bad book — dissatisfying in the reading, acknowledged as dull and dried-up by Thackeray.” Rawlins, Thackeray’s Novels: A Fiction That Is True (2018, pg. 201).
8vo. Van Duzer 232. Overall, very good in original yellow wrappers, the wrappers of part 1 rubbed, stained, and repaired, a few spines worn and/or repaired, most of the plates browned, some have ownership signatures of noted hymn writer John Reynall Wreford, though most parts appear unread. Held in good morocco boxes, of which the upper halves of cases are wanting the rear portion, an old auction lot sticker to one case (lot 186, Sotheby’s, 1976), other light wear. Laid in is the invoice from Sotheby Parke-Bernet from 1976. Item #323
Price: $450.00