PATRONAGE.
In four volumes. Pp. [iv]+418+[ii]+432(last blank)+[ii]+402+[ii]+390(including errata to all volumes); post 12mo; half calf, the [later] spines lettered and decorated in gilt, early drab papered boards, slightly soiled, with a couple of light damp stains and small surface grazes, the [earlier] calf fore-corners slightly bruised, edges of boards lightly rubbed; later endpapers; piece torn from fore-edge margin pp. 127/8 Volume I (affecting one letter of text), a few small edge chips or splits in Volume II, scattered foxing and occasional slight soiling; J. Johnson, London, 1814. First edition. Sadleir 780; Wolff 1993. *Lacking the half-title pages to Volumes II-IV (none called for in Volume I). Maria Edgeworth (1768-1849) was one of the most widely read authors of the early nineteenth century, and a significant figure in the evolution of the novel. (Jane Austen was an admirer). Patronage, her longest novel, is an exploration of the various means of achieving professional or personal status. Item #168510
Price: $1,500.00