"THE BEST NOVEL I HAVE WRITTEN": FIRST EDITION IN SCARCE ORIGINAL PARTS OF TROLLOPE'S LAST CHRONICLE OF BARSET

TROLLOPE, Anthony. The Last Chronicle of Barset. London: Smith, Elder, 1867. Thirty-two parts. Octavo, original paper wrappers printed in blue and red, stitched as issued. Housed in a custom half morocco clamshell box. $5500.

First edition, in the 32 original parts, of the final novel in Trollope's acclaimed Barsetshire series, with 32 full-page and 32 in-text wood-engraved illustrations by George Thomas. An excellent unrestored copy with most of the advertisements called for.

This is the sixth and final novel in the Barsetshire series, which Trollope regarded "as the best novel I have written…. there is a true savour of English life all through the book" "For his grand finale of Barsetshire, Trollope summoned back all the characters whom he loved best… The Last Chronicle of Barset was acclaimed by the critics." A contemporary reviewer, praising Trollope in Blackwood's, remarked, "Honour to the writer who, amid so much that is false and vile and meretricious in current literature, beautifies our world and our imagination with such creations as these" (Hennessy, 276-7). First issue, with "The right of Translation is reserved." on title page verso of both volumes and all Sadleir (a) points. All 140 numbered pages of advertisements inserted at the front of the parts are present (though pages 11-12 and 13-14 are torn along lower edge with substantial loss); nine of 16 additional inserts called for are present. Of the six "non-compulsory" inserts, none are present. All of the novel's text, illustrations and front matter are present and complete. Sadleir 26. Circulating library sheets affixed to inside front wrapper of Parts 2 and 5.

Part 1 restitched, with a bit of toning and wear along spine. Remaining parts with light rubbing and toning along spines only, generally quite clean and near-fine. An excellent set, scarce and desirable in the original parts.