“A TRANSCRIPT FROM REAL LIFE”

THACKERAY, William Makepeace. The History of Pendennis. London: Bradbury & Evans, 1849-50. Two volumes. Octavo, early 20th-century three-quarter brown calf gilt, raised bands. $750.

First edition in book form of Thackeray’s popular novel, with vignette title pages, 45 steel-engraved plates and over 100 wood-engraved historiated initial capitals and in-text illustrations, all by the author.

"The book has more autobiography than any of the [other] novels, and clearly embodies the experience of Thackeray's early life so fully that it must be also pointed out that no stress must be laid upon particular facts. Nor is it safe to identify any of the characters with originals… the book is a transcript from real life, and shows perhaps as much power as Vanity Fair, with less satirical intensity" (DNB). Originally issued in parts from November 1848 to December 1850. Van Duzer 165. Bookplates.

Foxing and embrowning to plates, occasional light foxing to interiors. Light rubbing to calf extremities. An extremely good copy.