Robert Smith Surtees — Mr. Sponge&Apos;S Sporting Tour

London, Bradbury and Evans, 1853. First edition. Leather. A colourfully illustrated first edition of one of Surtees' popular sporting novels. The first edition, first state, with dedication to 'Lord Elcho&apos."Mr Sponge"s Sporting Tour" follows the adventures of a grocer who becomes the Master of Fox Hounds, a comical social commentary of sporting life in the country.Illustrated with a vignette title, thirteen hand coloured plates, and in-text wood engravings, by John Leech.Collated, bound without adverts and half-title. All plates are present. Robert Smith Surtees was a popular sporting writer, beginning his writing career by contributing to the "Sporting Magazine". His best novel is often considered to be "Mr Sponge"s Sporting Tour", with his hero, Soapey Sponge, being as popular as his comic character Jorrocks, featured in numerous novels, including "Handley Cross". His comical novels are engaging and witty, with his writing style and character sometimes being compared to Charles Dickens. In a half calf binding with marbled paper to the boards. Externally, generally smart, a little rubbed. Lifting to the head of the spine. Minor bumping to the extremities. Light marks to the boards and spine. Rear hinge is strained. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and generally clean with scattered spots. Good . Ill.: John Leech. Good .