About this Item
The collected works of Laurence Sterne, containing his most beloved and influential works, with a portrait frontispiece to Volume I. Complete in five volumes.The collected works of Laurence Sterne.Each work has a separate title page with the imprint 'London: printed in the year 1769'. Volumes II to V are numbered as such to the half-titles, though the title pages only bear the volume numbers of the original editions of the novels.Leaf of marbled paper to Volume I page 232, as issued.Illustrated with a frontispiece to Volume I.Volumes I and II contains 'Tristram Shandy', Volumes III and IV containing 'The Sermons of Mr. Yorick', and Volume V contains 'A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy' and 'A Political Romance'.'Tristram Shandy' is a narration of the life story of the protagonist, Tristram Shandy. He spends a lot of the book going on tangents to try and explain something, resulting in him not describing his birth until Volume III out of IX. This novel was popular when first published, and has gone on to be one of the most popular works of English literature ever published.'A Sentimental Journey' is a moving novel, travelling through France and Italy on a sentimental trip, reflecting the Laurence Sterne's own travels through the countries towards the end of his life. This work helped establish travel writing as its own genre.Laurence Sterne was a novelist and clergyman, who discovered his talent and love for writing late in his life, after writing 'A Political Romance' in support of his dean in a church squabble. After this, he dedicated himself to writing, beginning 'Tristram Shandy' and publishing in 1759.Bookplate of Edward Francis Witts to the front paste downs of Volumes IV and V.Collated, complete. In a full calf binding. Externally, generally smart. A small amount of loss to the head of the spines of Volumes I and III. Light bumping to the extremities. Some light rubbing to the spines, and lighter rubbing to the boards and extremities. Minor marks t the boards. Light surface cracks to the spines. Loss of leather to the tail of the rear board of Volume V. Small crack to the head of the front joints of Volume I, to the front joint of Volume III, and head of the rear joint of Volume IV. Hinges are starting but firm, hinges of Volume III are a little strained. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are lightly age-toned and clean, with the occasional scattered spot. Ink inscription to the half-titles. Pages 125-128 of Volume V are working loose. Good.
Seller Inventory # 894P34
Contact seller
Report this item
