First U.S. edition of the official first series, and => true first edition of the unofficial second series, of Lamb's pseudonymously published essays for the London Magazine. These eloquently written pieces mingle humor and pathos as they describe the experiences of the author and his acquaintances while attending boarding school, playing whist, listening to music, visiting Quaker meetings, etc. Food is a recurring topic ("A Dissertation upon Roast Pig"); there are two essays on Valentine's Day (one in each volume), and several on plays and actors. The first series made its first appearance in book form in London, 1823. The authorized second series was not published until 1833, under the title The Last Essays of Elia; the pieces selected for the unauthorized American second series offered here are different from those contained in that volume, and mistakenly include three essays written by other hands. 12mo (I: 18.4 cm, 7.25", II: 16.8cm, 6.6"). 2 vols. I: 292 pp. II: 230 pp. (both vols. without ads.) Shoemaker 33813 & 33814; NCBEL, III, 1225; NSTC 2L2346. Vol. I: Uncut copy. Publisher's quarter once-red cloth and paper sides, covers printed with "Elia" within a simple frame, spine with printed paper label; binding rubbed and lightly soiled, spine sunned to yellow. Repaired tear to one leaf, touching text without loss; remarkably clean and sound. Vol. II: Contemporary speckled sheep, spine with gilt-stamped leather title-label; rubbed, and head of spine chipped with old refurbishing. Ex?social club library: 19th-century bookplate and call number ticket on front pastedown, front free endpaper with inked numerals, title-page pressure-stamped. Author's name inked on title-page; front free endpaper and title-page reinforced at fore-edge (the latter from the back). Both volumes age-toned, with intermittent spots of staining; advertisements absent. The set now housed in a quarter blue morocco and blue cloth?covered clamshell case with marbled paper?covered sides and gilt-stamped spine. Bookseller Inventory # 26434
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