“STERNE ALONE TOOK THE FINAL STEP”

STERNE, Laurence. Works. London: Samuel Richards, 1823. Five volumes. 16mo, contemporary three-quarter brown morocco gilt, raised bands, marbled endpapers. $500.

Early 19th-century edition of the works of the “most eminent novelist of the period” (Baugh et al., 1022), handsomely bound.

Sterne “revolutionized the novel. He was the first to change it from a mere mirror of life to a subjective romance. He stems from Cervantes… Rasselas and Candide are both among the relatives of Tristam Shandy; but Sterne alone took the final step… He made the novel personal, subtle, free” (Kunitz & Haycraft, 495-96). Includes Tristram Shandy, A Sentimental Journey, Sterne’s letters and other works, including an autobiographical memoir. Armorial bookplates.

Occasional light foxing. Restoration too inner hinges and bindings. An extremely good set, handsomely bound.