Beschreibung:

STERNE, Laurence (1713-1768). The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman . [York] and London: [volumes 1-2 without imprint], [volumes 3-4: R. and J. Dodsley], [volumes 5-9: T. Becket and P.A. Dehondt], 1760-1767. First edition, first state with Sterne's signature in ink, as usual, at the head of the opening chapters in vols. 5, 7, and 9. According to an early inscription, this copy is from the collection of George III. Publication on 1 January 1760 brought Sterne instant recognition. Although Johnson, Goldsmith, Richardson, Horace Walpole and Richard Farmer were among those who disliked the book, Sterne went to London to be feted by society, had his portrait painted by Reynolds, and was presented to the apparent original owner of this set, King George III. Rothschild 1970. 9 volumes in 7, octavo (156 x 94mm). Half-titles in vols. 4, 5, 6 and 9 as issued, vol. 1 with the black leaf E5, vol. 3 with the engraved plate after Hogarth and the marbled leaf between L4 and L5, volume 7 in the first state with errata on title verso (minor marginal tear not affecting text in D4 of vol. 9). Contemporary speckled calf, gilt ruled, spines gilt-lettered, numbered and stamped with floral motif in compartments (neatly rebacked preserving original compartments, some lettering-pieces renewed). Provenance : Attributed to King George III (1738-1820; inscription on front pastedown of vol. I: ‘S. Henley / 1781 / These 8 volumes of Tristram / Shandy were his majesty’s’) – ‘S. Henley’ (possibly the Rev. S. Henley, British clergyman and antiquarian, 1740-1815; ownership inscription).