Sir Walter Scott — The Antiquary

Edinburgh, Archibald Constable and Co; Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown, 1818. Leather. The third edition of Sir Walter Scott's favourite of his own novels, a historical romance set in the 1790s. Stated the fifth edition to the title pages, though this is actually the third edition, with the figures as stated by Todd and Burton in their 1998 'Sir Walter Scott: A Bibliographical History, 1796 - 1832&apos. It was the habit of some publishers at this time to state later printings and editions than the works actually were, to create the idea that the book was in demand and selling well.Complete in three volumes.'The Antiquary' is one of Sir Walter Scott's historical fiction 'Waverley' novels, this novel in particular following an amateur historian and archaeologist who collects items of dubious antiquity.There is also a romantic side to 'The Antiquary', between the protagonist William Lovel and Isabella Wardour.The novel is set in the last decade of the eighteenth century, a vivid representation of Scottish life of that period.This was Scott's favourite of his own novels.Half-titles present to Volumes I and II.Volume III is bound without the half-title. Bound without the adverts. In a half calf binding with marbled paper to the boards. Externally, generally smart, a little rubbed. Minor bumping to the extremities. Very small chips to the spine labels. A little light discolouration to the boards and spines. Hinges are starting but firm. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are lightly age-toned and generally clean with some scattered spots. Very Good . Ill.: None. Very Good .