1760-1765 The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman

Description

First Edition, Leather Binding, Signed

Laurence Sterne has signed volumes V and VII, as called for, to fight against piracy of this incredibly popular work. To the front pastedown of volume I is a small portrait of the author, signed by Sterne to the reverse.

Lacking the final volume, volume IX, which was published in 1767.

Sterne's work is a humorous and philosophical investigation into the connection between literature and life. A fictional autobiography, this work is also an experiment in the form and structure of printed narratives. Sterne played an important part in the rise of the novel, alongside contemporaries Daniel Defoe and Samuel Richardson. 

Consisting of:

The second editions of volumes I and II, published in 1760. Illustrated with an engraved frontispiece to volume I. Page 73 of volume I is a blacked out 'mourning page'.

ESTC T14790. Running [3], A-L8, M2 [1]; [1], A-L8, M4 [1].

The 1761 first editions of volumes III and IV. Illustrated with an engraved frontispiece to volume III, and with a half title to volume IV. Illustrated with an engraved frontispiece, and with hand-coloured colour marbled leaf inserted between L4 and L5, as called for, which is a 'motley emblem' of Tristram's work.

ESTC T14705. The first edition of volume IV, identified by the incorrect spelling 'facy', to page 73. Running A-M8, N3; [3], B-O8, P2

The 1762 first edition of volumes V and VI, with Sterne's signature to the first page of chapter I of volume V. Half titles to both volumes

ESTC No. T14706. Running [5], B-K8, L3; [3], B-K8, L6

The 1765 first editions of volumes VII and VIII, with Sterne's signature to the first page of chapter I of volume VII.

ESTC No. T14820. Signatures running [2], B-L8; [3], B-K8, L6

With a loosely inserted leaf, dated 1965, discussing the rebacking of these volumes. With the inscription of Geo. Latam to each front free endpaper.

An exceptional set of Sterne's most influential work, viewed as key to the development of the English novel.