William Harrison Ainsworth — The Star-Chamber: An Historical Romance

London, George Routledge, 1854. First edition. Cloth. A scarce first edition copy of 'The Star Chamber: An Historical Romance' by William Harrison Ainsworth. Two volumes bound in one. William Harrison Ainsworth was an English historical novelist renowned for his incredibly popular historical romances, such as this text, 'The Star Chamber&apos. Ainsworth initially studied law but left it for literature, publishing his first novel anonymously in 1826. His first success came with the novel 'Rookwood' published in 1834, featuring the highwayman Dick Turpin, which led many reviewers to hail him as the successor to Sir Walter Scott. In a long career that extended to 1881, he published some forty novels. Featuring prior owner's bookplate to front pastedown and inscription in crayon to the rear free endpaper. With an ink stamp of 'Webley's Coffee House' throughout. In a cloth binding. Externally, sound with some wear to extremities, rubbing and slight marks to boards. Front hinge strained. Internally, generally firmly bound. Pages generally bright and clean with the occasional spot and handling mark, heavier to the first and last few pages. Ink stamp of 'Webley's Coffee House' to the odd page. Good . Ill.: None. Good .