1803 Amadis of Gaul

Description

First Edition, Leather Binding, Rebound, Very Scarce

The very scarce first edition of this work.

Gifted from King George IV to Maria Conyngham, with his ink inscription to the half-titles, 'Given by me to my beloved Maria Conyngham'. George's initials have been rubbed out, however the distinctive 'G.R.' is still discernible, particularly his flourish to the 'R'.

Prince of Wales feather insignia from the original binding pasted to the front paste down of Volume I. 

Maria Conyngham was the daughter of Elizabeth Conyngham, the Marchioness Conyngham, who was the last mistress of George. Elizabeth was a beautiful woman although she was considered crude and vulgar by the other courtiers. She and George likely started their affair in 1819, when George was the Prince Regent, becoming his prime mistress after he became king in 1820. George was besotted with Elizabeth and became more dependent on her as he aged, due to his temper and poor health, after going through a very public divorce, and the death of his only legitimate daughter in 1817, Princess Charlotte of Wales. Elizabeth became weary of him, but George's affection never wavered. Their affair ended with the death of George in 1830. Her son, Francis, the 2nd Marquess, held a prominent position at court, and was alongside the Archbishop of Canterbury in informing Princess Victoria of the death of the King, and he was the first to address her as 'Your Majesty'. Elizabeth's granddaughter, Jane Spencer, Baroness Churchill, was a lifelong friend to Victoria. Through marriage Jane was a great-aunt to Winston Churchill.

George IV was always fond of the young Maria Conyngham, who was born in 1810, placing her portrait by Sir Thomas Lawrence in his bedroom at St. James' palace. In 1832 Maria married William Somerville, the 1st Baron Athlumney, and had one surviving child, Elizabeth Jane Caulfeild, Countess of Charlemont. 

Complete in four volumes.

Rebacked by George Bayntun of Bath, with a typed letter to Mrs. P. R. Phillips dated 4th August 1988 loosely inserted, addressing the rebacking of these volumes. Letter signed by H. A. Bayntun Coward.

Robert Southey's translation of the epic chivalric romance 'Amadis of Gaul'.

The earliest edition of 'Amadis of Gaul' known to survive was published in 1508 though it's known there were earlier editions.

The epic work is generally attributed to Vasco de Lobeira, though this is much debated, others believing it may be Joao Lobeira.

Half-titles are bound after the title pages.

One leaf of errata to the rear of Volume IV.