FIRST EDITION OF SCOTT’S HALIDON HILL, 1822, IN CONTEMPORARY BOARDS
SCOTT, Walter. Halidon Hill; A Dramatic Sketch, from Scottish History. Edinburgh: Printed for Archibald Constable, 1822. Slim octavo, contemporary three-quarter navy calf, elaborately gilt-decorated spine, raised bands, burgundy morocco spine label.
First edition, first impression, of Scott’s dramatic sketch based on Scottish history, in contemporary three-quarter calf and marbled boards.
Written by Scott over the course of two rainy mornings, this work was originally intended to be a part of a book of poetical miscellany that Joanna Baillie was editing. However, when it outgrew the size constraints of that work, Constable published it, unseen, for 1000 pounds, an exorbitant sum at the time. Here, Scott attempts to render crucial Scottish history as a drama. Without publisher’s catalogue at rear. Todd & Bowden 158Aa. Ink title page owner signature. Additional contemporary owner signature on endpaper.
Interior generally quite nice, a bit of wear and soiling to binding. An extremely good copy.