"ONE OF THE LONGEST AND MOST DISTINCTIVE LITERARY CAREERS OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY"

COLLINS, Wilkie. Basil: A Story of Modern Life. London: Richard Bentley, 1852. Three volumes. Octavo, late 19th century full tan calf, elaborately gilt-decorated spines, red and blue morocco spine labels, marbled endpapers, top edges gilt. $2500.

First edition of Collins' second novel, a tale of romance, betrayal and revenge, handsomely bound by Riviere and Son.

Collins had "one of the longest and most distinctive literary careers of the nineteenth century… In the course of nearly half a century's writing [he] tried many new ways of reaching and expanding his audience. Dickensian Christmas books, short stories, three-decker novels, magazine and newspaper serializations flowed from his pen with a productivity unchecked" (Bowen 4-5). Bookplate.

Scattered light foxing and soiling to text, binding fine. A beautiful copy.