G P R James — A Whim and Its Consequences

London, William Tegg and Co, 1848 . Cloth. A very scarce, early edition of this historical novel by George Payne Rainsford James. In the publisher's original cloth binding. A very scarce edition of this novel, published the year after the first. Written by the noted historical writer, George Payne Rainsford James. James was the Historiographer Royal during the last years of William IV's reign. His best known novel is 'Richelieu: A Tale of France&apos. With the inscription of one 'Lady Howden' to the front pastedown of all volumes. It may be the inscription of Lady Baillie of Howden House, West Lothian. The bookplate of Robert J Hayhurst to the front pastedown. Hayhurst inherited and improved a group of retail pharmacies in Lancashire, John Hayhurst and son. He was a collector of naval history and eighteenth century literature. In the publisher's original cloth bindings. Externally, smart, with fading to the spines. Patches of light rubbing to the boards and spines, with loss to the spine label of volume II. Bookplate to the front pastedown of volume I. Prior owner's inscription to the recto of front pastedowns to all volumes. Lady Howden. Spine is lifting to the rear joint of volume I. Hinges are slightly strained but firm. Pages are very bright. Just the odd spot to the first and last few pages. Good . Ill.: None. Good .