THE HISTORY OF TOM JONES A Foundling

London: James Cochrane and Co, 1831. Hardcover. Cruikshank engravings. pp. 454, 448. 12mo. Lovely two volume set bound in full tan polished calf. This is a complete set in itself, issued as part of 'The Novelist's Library', edited by Thomas Roscoe, and with illustrations by George Cruikshank. Titles from the set are usually encountered bound in cloth: our offering is most attractively bound in full polished calf, with a heavily-ornamented spine showing five raised bands and morocco spine labels. A frontispiece and four engravings in volume I; and a frontispiece and three engravings in volume II. All edges are marbled, as are the endpapers. The binding shows minimal wear, and the hinges are strong. Occasional foxing to text, more so from off-setting of the plates. Else in very good condition. Roscoe (1791-1871) was an English author and translator. He was educated by Dr. W. Shepherd and a private tutor, and began his career writing for local magazines and journals. During the period 1820 to 1850, he wrote a number of travel books, and several novels. He also translated into English many Italian, German and French works. 'The Novelist's Library' was issued between 1831 and 1833, and contained complete works (in English) by Cervantes, Tobias Smollett, Laurence Sterne, Oliver Goldsmith, Henry Fielding, and Daniel De Foe.