“A SLY HIT, A HAPPY PUN, A HUMOROUS COMBINATION”

[LAMB, Charles]. Elia and Last Essays of Elia. London: Taylor and Hessey / Edward Moxon, 1823, 1833. Together, two volumes. Octavo, contemporary three-quarter tan calf gilt, black morocco spine labels, marbled boards; housed in a custom chemise and slipcase. $2000.

First editions, constituting the first collection in book form of all Lamb’s Elia Essays.

"The prose essays under the signature of Elia form the most delightful section amongst Lamb's works… They are carefully elaborated; yet never were works written in a higher defiance to the conventional pomp of style. A sly hit, a happy pun, a humorous combination, lets the light into the intricacies of the subject… [Lamb] gives an importance to every thing, and sheds a grace over all" (Allibone, 1050, 1049). "The first series of these popular Essays appeared in the London Magazine between August 1820 and October 1822; the second series, between May 1823 and August 1825" (Lowndes, 1300). Volume I with Taylor and Hessey imprint indicating first issue, bound with advertisements in rear of both volumes. Half title in Volume II as issued. CBEL III:632.

Scattered foxing to text, expert restoration to joints and extremities of handsome contemporary bindings.