COBBOLD’S SECOND NOVEL OF “FEMALE ADVENTURE,” BEAUTIFULLY BOUND

COBBOLD, Richard. Mary Anne Wellington, the Soldier’s Daughter, Wife, and Widow. London: Henry Colburn, 1846. Three volumes. Octavo, early 20th-century three-quarter red morocco gilt, raised bands, marbled boards and endpapers, top edges gilt. $650.

First edition of Cobbold’s second novel of “female adventure,” with five lithographic illustrations, beautifully bound.

Like the highly successful History of Margaret Catchpole (1844), Cobbold’s second novel was “another narrative of female adventure” based on a true story. Mary Anne Wellington had married a soldier in the gallant 48th, and accompanied him through all the Peninsular campaigns. “Her fortitude in the hour of danger, and her attention to the wounded, were witnessed by many officers still living, who were also aware of the extraordinary adventures in which she distinguished herself.” See Allibone I:399.

Only very faint occasional foxing. An about-fine copy in lovely binding.