William Makepeace Thackeray — The Virginians

London, Bradbury & Evans, 1858-59. First edition. Leather. A smart first issue copy of one of the popular novels of William Makepeace Thackeray, complete with his original illustrations. The first edition, first impression of this work. Issue points as follows; 'actresses' for 'ancestresses' on page 207, line 33, Volume I; Chapters 47 and 48 are misnumbered as 48 and 49 in Volume I. Bound from the original parts, with puncture marks to the gutter.'The Virginians' is a historical fiction novel set in the eighteenth century, following the grandsons of Henry Esmond, set around the American War of Independence.Volume I illustrated with a frontispiece, vignette title page, twenty-two plates, and in-text engravings.Volume II illustrated with a frontispiece, vignette title page, twenty-two plates, and in-text engravings.Bound without half-titles. All plates are present.Written and illustrated by William Makepeace Thackeray, who is best known for his satirical works looking at English society, most especially for 'Vanity Fair&apos. He tended to be quite savage in his attacks on society, publishing under various pseudonyms in his youth to avoid personal criticism. In a half calf binding with marbled paper to the boards. Externally, generally smart, with light rubbing and marks to the boards and spines. Bookplate to the front paste downs. Spots to the fore edges. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright with scattered spotting. Very Good . Ill.: William Makepeace Thackeray. Very Good .