Description
The first edition, first issue of The Virginians by William Makepeace Thackeray, complete in a 24 volume serial.
Octavo, [24 volumes]. Original yellow paper wrappers, title printed on each cover. This is the first edition of the text, published by Bradbury and Evans from 1857 to 1859. The first issue, with “actresses” instead of “ancestresses” on p. 207, line 15 from bottom of serial number seven. Complete with 48 full-page illustrations: two plates per serial, with June 1859 plates moved to July 1859, as listed in Van Duzer.
(Van Duzer 232) (Shepherd 130)
Solid text blocks, light wear and creasing along edges of wrappers. Housed in a custom red cloth clamshell, title in gilt on spine. Previous ownership bookplate affixed to inside cover.
A near fine example of a literary classic.
The Virginians was later released by Bradbury & Evans as a two-volume set in 1858/1859, then in single-book form by Harper & Brothers in 1859. (Van Duzer, p. 141)
