The Countess of Blessington [Marguerite Gardiner] — The Idler in Italy

Paris , A. and W. Galignani and Co. 1839. First edition. Leather. The rare first edition of this charming anecdotal travel work from Irish literary hostess and Countess, Marguerite Gardiner. The very scarce first edition from A. and W. Galignani.Baudry's European Library also published a Paris edition the same year. In a signed half calf binding by Fletcher & Co. with loss to the backstrip. Section of the head of the spine loosely inserted. Renewed endpapers and blanks. An insightful account of the author's travels, sights and acquaintances in Italy, from Irish novelist, journalist and literary hostess, Marguerite Gardiner, simply credited here as Countess of Blessington. This and her 'Idler in France' proved popular for their personal gossip and anecdotes, whilst also providing terrific descriptions of the culture, nature and people of 19th-century Europe. Soon after this publication, Gardiner became a gossip columnist for Dickens' Daily News. In a signed half calf binding by Fletcher & Co. with loss to the backstrip. Section of the head of the spine loosely inserted. Externally, loss to the upper portion of the backstrip. Moderate rubbing to the extremities. Cracking to the tail of the front joint, which is tender. Bookplate of one W. Hans Sloane Stanley to the front paste down. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are Good Only . Ill.: None. Good Only .