This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/24/2025
[BRITISH PRIME MINISTERS]. [EARL OF DERBY, Edward George Geoffrey Smith-Stanley, 14th Earl of Derby, 1799-1869, his copy]. WALPOLE, Horace (1717-1797). Private Correspondence of Horace Walpole, Earl or Orford. London: Rodwell and Martin, 1820. 8vos. Frontispiece portrait in volume I. 4 volumes. Bound in contemporary full calf, boards ruled in gilt, spines tooled, ruled in gilt in compartments, five raised bands, brown and red gilt morocco lettering labels, marbled edges (all volumes rebacked preserving the original spines, boards with visible repairs with vertical seams, boards worn, soiled, later endleaves, some foxing, soiling in text). Good. FIRST COLLECTED EDITION, THE EARL OF DERBY'S COPY WITH HIS SIGNATURE (“Derby") ON THE TITLE-PAGES OF VOLUMES I AND II. His armorial bookplate on the fp. of all volumes. Derby was the Prime Minister three times, and was the longest serving leader of the Conservative Party. Perhaps his greatest achievement is shepherding the Reform Act of 1867, which enfranchised more working-class men than before, doubling the eligible voters (Disraeli claimed credit for this act).