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[Washington Irving]. Tales of a Traveller. By Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. London: John Murray, 1824.... (Total: 3 )
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Description
[Washington Irving]. Tales of a Traveller. By Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. London: John Murray, 1824.2 volumes, 8vo. Half-titles. Contemporary green calf gilt, covers gilt-ruled, spines gilt, red morocco lettering-pieces.
FIRST EDITION, PRESENTATION COPY, INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR on the half-title of each volume: "To Mrs. Sarah P. Storrow / from her friend / Washington Irving / Auteuil, Septr 28th, 1824." Additionally, the author has added a single-word manuscript correction to the text on p. 393 in Vol. II.
In his journal for September 28th, Irving notes: "Get a set of 'Tales of a Traveller' sent by Miller to the Galignanis--had not come to hand before--walk out to Auteuil--pass the ev[e] at Mr. Storrow's--give set of 'Tales of a Traveller' to Mrs. Storrow...." Irving was in Europe when the book was published in London, and he made frequent visits to the Storrow home during his sojourn. This is likely one of the earliest copies to reach him after publication. Sarah P. Storrow is Sally Phipps Brown Storrow (1783-1837), wife of Thomas Wentworth Storrow, a close friend of the American author Washington Irving, who lived in Paris and was a correspondent of Irving's. Irving's letters to the Storrow family, particularly to Thomas Wentworth Storrow, are a significant collection that reveals details about his time in Europe, his struggle with illness, and his working methods while writing some of his most famous works. AN OUTSTANDING ASSOCIATION COPY.
The English edition of Tales of a Traveller precedes the American edition, and contains five pieces not included in the Philadelphia edition. This copy is in BAL's state B (no priority), with the printed notice on p. [395] in Vol. II
Condition: Spines a bit darkened, with head of Vol. II worn; some rubbing to joints and extremities; a few scuffs. Some minor scattered foxing, occasional minor spotting; there are a few small marginal paper flaws, but overall a very good set.
References: BAL 10115.
[With:]
Stanley T. Williams, ed. Washington Irving and the Storrows. Letters from England and the Continent, 1821-1828. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1933. 8vo, original red cloth gilt. FIRST EDITION.
Provenance: The Library of a Minnesota Collector.
Auction Info
2025 December 15 Rare Books Signature® Auction #6323 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
December, 2025
15th
Monday
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