Letters on the Improvement of the Mind. Addressed to a Lady.

The first Westall edition of Hester Chapone's popular educational work, intended to encourage self-improvement in women, with illustrations by Richard Westall. The first Westall edition. Bound in full crushed morocco with gilt detailing. Endpapers renewed and half title retained. The first edition to contain illustrations by English painter and portrait artist, Richard Westall. With four plates and a frontispiece.Collated, complete. A collection of letters on the conduct of women, reviewing subjects such as the principles of religion, the study of the Holy scripture, the regulation of the heart and affections, the government of the temper, the economy, politeness and accomplishments, manner, the course of reading history, and more. This work was originally written for Chapone's 15-year-old niece to encourage her in her studies. Written by Hester Chapone, an English writer of conduct books for women who became associated with the London Bluestockings. Bound in full crushed morocco with gilt detailing. Endpapers renewed and half title retained. Externally, very good, with light rubbing to the extremities and joints. Front hinge is a touch strained, but holding firm. Internally, the final 50 pages are strained, with a split between p144-5, cords visible. Otherwise firmly bound. Pages are bright and clean, with just a few spots to the first few pages. Good.…