SCOTT’S QUENTIN DURWARD, HANDSOMELY BOUND FIRST EDITION

(SCOTT, Sir Walter). Quentin Durward. Edinburgh: Archibald Constable, et al., 1823. Three volumes. Small octavo, early 20th-century three-quarter blue calf, elaborately gilt-decorated spine, raised bands, marbled endpapers. $750.

First edition of Scott’s portrait of Louis XI, handsomely bound.

“Scott’s supreme feat was to make the past alive again” (Baugh et al., 1216), as he does here in this book about Louis XI. This work, though initially a bit confusing to his fellow Britons, proved extremely popular in France. “Its extraordinary power was recognised after it had been received in France with an enthusiasm comparable to that which had greeted Ivanhoe in England” (DNB). Evidence of bookplate removal.

Only occasional soiling to text, toning to spines. A near-fine copy.