De L'Orme

The scarce first edition of this early novel by George Payne Rainsford James. The bookplate of Robert J Hayhurst to the front pastedown. Hayhurst inherited and improved a group of retail pharmacies in Lancashire, John Hayhurst and son. He was a collector of naval history and eighteenth century literature. Rebound, in a smart half calf binding. Bound without the half-titles. Written by the noted historical writer, George Payne Rainsford James. James was the Historiographer Royal during the last years of William IV's reign. In 1825 he wrote his first, and probably his best known novel Richilieu, which wasn't published until 1829. After reading Richilieu, which had been given to him by a friend, and after receiving a letter from James, Walter Scott advised him to take up literature as a profession. He was also given encouragement by Washington Irving. 'De L'Orme' was James' third novel. It is set during the seventeenth century and told from a first person perspective. A very smart set of this work. In a half calf binding, with paper covered boards. Externally, very smart. A few marks to the joints and extremities. Fading to the spine, which has a few light marks. Prior owner's bookplate to the front pastdown. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright with occasional light spots. Very Good.…