3 volumes, 8vo (221 x 147 mm). Engraved portrait frontispieces with tissue guards, engraved illustrated, 2 manuscript pages laid in. (Spotting.) Contemporary half red morocco gilt, spine in 6 compartments with 5 raised bands gilt, gilt-lettered in 3 compartments, top edges gilt, other edges uncut (spotting to edges and endsheets). Provenance: Althorp (tipped-in ANS, Northampton: 23 December 1908), gifted to: Harry Manfield (18555-1925) (bookplate).

 

FIRST EDITION, the first of 3 series of 3 volumes each containing The Letters of Queen Victoria. This set was a Christmas and New Year’s gift to British Liberal Party politician and prominent Freemason Harry Manfield. [Laid-in:] Autograph material from members of Victoria’s circle, comprising: an unsigned note mentioning Johanna Clara Louise Lehzen, who was Princess Victoria’s governess and later lady in attendance; partly printed document signed requesting the release of Henriette Vernet and forgiving her debt.