The Virginians.

THACKERAY, William.

$650.00

Item Number: 92535

London: Bradbury and Evans, 1858-59.

First edition of Thackeray’s memorable historical novel. Octavos, 2 volumes, bound in three quarters morocco over marbled boards,  raised bands, gilt titles and tooling to the spine, marbled endpapers, all edges marbled, illustrated. In near fine condition with light rubbing to the extremities.

19th century English novelist William Thackeray gained notoriety for his satirical works, particularly Vanity Fair, a panoramic portrait of English society. Thackeray saw himself as a realist and distinguished his work from the exaggerations and sentimentality of Dickens. Charlotte Bronte was one of the first of Thackeray's contemporaries to recognize his satirical abilities in portraying English society: "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, humour, comic powers His wit is bright, his humour attractive" (Allibone, 2380).