The Lady of the Lake.
Edinburgh: John Ballantyne, 1810. First edition. Leather. This is the first edition of Sir Walter Scott's monumental narrative poem, a romantic tale of chivalry and "the struggle between clan and crown." This first edition, first impression was published on 8 May 1810 in Edinburgh. This copy is bound in quarter brown leather with marble-pattern, paper-covered boards. The binding features raised bands framed by double blind rules with a dark red, gilt-printed title and author panel in the second compartment and the publication date in gilt at the heel. Condition is very good overall. The binding is square and tight, the joints supple and sound. The spine shows uniform toning and retains handsome shelf presentation. The paper-covered boards show light shelf wear, primarily confined to extremities. The contents are sound and complete with moderate, intermittent spotting, notably only to the frontispiece and paper guard, which has not prevented some transfer from the frontispiece to the facing title page. Second state of the first impression is confirmed by "END OF CANTO SIXTH." absent from p.288.
Unusually, we know definitively about this book's initial four generations of ownership. The sole previous ownership mark, inked on the recto of the second preliminary blank, is lovely testimony to this book's initial century in the custody of a single family: "This book belonged to my great grandmother, Jane Jeffry Renwick [1773-1850], then to her eldest son James Renwick [1790-1863], then to his eldest son, Henry Brevoort Renwick [1817-1895], and given by him to his only daughter, Meta Renwick [1854-1906] -". The Renwick family papers, spanning 1794-1916, are held by Columbia University in New York, where James Renwick was a Professor of Natural Philosophy. "With the publication in 1810 of The Lady of the Lake Scott reached the first summit of his literary career". (Todd & Bowden) It was published on 8 May 1810. In what was considered "the most phenomenal success," more than 20,000 copies were sold before the end of the year. References: Todd & Bowden 47Aa; Columbia University; ODNB. Item #008563
Price: $600.00