"HIS WIT IS BRIGHT, HIS HUMOR ATTRACTIVE"

THACKERAY, William Makepeace. The Works of William Makepeace Thackeray. London: Smith, Elder, 1869, 1886. Twenty-four volumes. Octavo, early 20th-century three-quarter red morocco gilt, marbled boards and endpapers, top edges gilt. $4500.

Wonderfully illustrated early collected edition of Thackeray's works, handsomely bound by Root & Son.

It was through the success and popularity of Vanity Fair that Thackeray's "position as one of the first of English novelists was generally recognized" (DNB). Charlotte Brontë was one of the first of Thackeray's contemporaries to recognize his talents: "I see in him an intellect profounder and more unique than his contemporaries have recognized… No commentator on his writings has yet found the comparison that suits him… They say he is like Fielding; they talk of his wit, humor, comic powers… His wit is bright, his humor attractive" (Allibone, 2380). With numerous illustrations by Thackeray and others. Includes the major novels, as well as many of the shorter works and sketches. With the two additional volumes issued in 1886, often absent.

Interiors clean; a few joints, corners and spine heads lightly rubbed. A near-fine set, handsomely bound.