This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/26/2022
WILSON, Harriette (1786–1845). Memoirs… London: J.J. Stockdale, 1825. 12 original parts in 10 (4 volumes), 12mo (165 x 102 mm). Half–titles and titles in all 4 volumes; 4pp. advertisement in Volume I by Thomas Little; appendix in Volume IV recording the libel case between Robert Blore and Stockdale. 20 hand–colored plates (several folding including a portrait of Harriette and scenes from the memoirs), including the 10 ENGRAVED FULL–LENGTH PORTRAITS BY GEORGE CRUIKSHANK (these being signed with his initials) that was originally issued separately as a suite of plates but is seen here bound in. (Some minor soiling or toning near margins, some offsetting to text). Early black morocco double ruled in gilt, raised bands gilt, gilt cornerpieces and centerpieces in compartments, gilt lettering in two, top edges gilt, others uncut, gilt dentelles, stamp–signed by Riviere; 6 of the original printed buff wrappers bound in at rear. Provenance: Williams Bookshop ticket in Volume I. FIRST EDITION OF THE VERY RARE PARTS ISSUE. Considered the most famous tell–all of the 19th century, the work was quickly sold out, pirated, and reprinted 30 times all in the same year of publication. Due to the character of the work, Cruikshank’s initials did not appear upon the etchings, which in his later days, denied the authorship. The 10 plates in this copy do have his initials and Cohn in his catalogue raisonne does confirm that the original copper–plates had Cruikshank’s initials on them. Abbey, Life 326 (see pirated edition); Cohn 853.