F. C. Philips [Francis Charles Philips] — As in a Looking Glass

London, Ward & Downey, 1889. Cloth. A Limited Edition novel depicting upper class life in the late nineteenth century, illustrated by George du Maurier. A delightfully illustrated diary of a socialite from British army officer, actor, journalist and novelist Francis Charles Philips.The first edition of this work to be published in a single volume under this title. This work was first published as a weekly serial in 'Life' in 1886, under the title 'Le Journal d'une Mondaine&apos. The work was then published in two volumes under this title, before appearing in this single volume edition, a Limited Edition of which 1000 copies were printed.With frontispiece and twelve further plates from George du Maurier. Collated, complete.Franco-British cartoonist and writer du Maurier was well known for his work in 'Punch' magazine, and was also the grandfather of gothic novelist Daphne du Maurier.This work was adapted into a silent film in 1916, starring stage start Kitty Gordon in her first screen roll. From the library of Audrey Pleydell-Bouverie, an extravagant socialite and renowned beauty of the Edwardian period. Impeccably connected, Pleydell-Bouverie was also the illegitimate granddaughter of King Edward VII, and rumoured to be a lover of King Edward VIII. A sparkling figure of fashionable society, her friends included Nancy Mitford, Coco Chanel, Winston Churchill, and Fred Astaire. This work is from the sale of Pleydell-Bouverie"s library at Julians Park, Hertfordshire. She purchased the home in 1940, redesigning the interior and amassing an impressive library, featuring many examples of her own bookbinding. In the publisher's original cloth binding. Bumping to spine head and tail and board extremities. Rubbing to joints, with a number of light marks to boards. Internally, binding lightly strained in places, but holding firm. Pages generally clean and bright, with the odd mark or light spot. Good . Ill.: George du Maurier. Good .