The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman. By Laurence Sterne. London: R. & J. Dodsley, 1761-1767.
LAURENCE STERNE'S MAGNUM OPUS, SIGNED TWICE BY LAURENCE STERNE.
-------------------
8 volumes only, of nine, lacking volume five, uniformly bound contemporaneously. Volumes one and two are from the fifth edition, as often, with the remaining volumes all in first edition format. Volumes seven and nine are signed by Laurence Sterne on pp.1. Includes the marbled page in volume three as called for. Volume four is correctly the first edition, with the misprint "facy" for "fancy" on pp.73.
-------------------
Size: 102 x 160 mm (approx., each)
Condition:
[(4), frontis, t.p., 2ff., A1-M2, (4)]; [(4), A1-M4, (4)]; [(4), A1-N4, (4)]; [(4), h.t., t.p., B1-P2, (4)]; [(4), h.t., t.p., B1-L6, (4)]; [(4), t.p., B1-L8, (4)]; [(4), t.p., B1-L6, (4)]; [(5), h.t., t.p., a1-a2, B1-K9, (3)]
Contemporary full panelled calf, uniform save for the ninth volume which possesses the same boards, binding style, etc, but lacks the repeating gilt , rubbed, labels chipped, some volume labels lacking, vol IX lacking title label. All boards securely attached, bindings secure, joints rubbed, some slightly cracked. No attached bookplates. Inscription to head of title page in each volume, Laurence Sterne's signature to head of pp.1 in vols 7&9. Generally extremely clean throughout the set. The pagination skips 10pp in volume four but the signatures are continuous; this is a result of the narrative where Tristram says he has removed a chapter - no pages are actually lacking in the collation here. An excellent set, despite the lacking volume five, priced very competitively accordingly.
