Charles Reade — Peg Woffington

London, George Allen, 1899 . Cloth. A beautifully decorated early edition of Charles Reade's book, 'Peg Woffington', with illustrations throughout by Hugh Thomson. In the publisher's original cloth binding, with extensive gilt decorations to the front board and to the spine. This novel was first published in 1852. This is the first edition of the work containing illustrations by Hugh Thomson. Written by British novelist and dramatist, best remembered for his historic novel, The Cloister and the Hearth. 'Peg Woffington' was inspired by the popular stage play Masks and Faces which Charles Reade had co-written and featured Woffington as a central character. The novel portrays the success of Peg Woffington and features other prominent figures of the day. Peg (Margaret) Woffington was an Irish actress and socialite of the Georgian era. With black and white illustrations throughout, by Irish illustrated Hugh Thomson, who is best known for his monochrome pen-and-ink drawings. With an introduction by English poet and essayist, Austin Dobson.With an ink inscription 'To Aunt Julie & Uncle Wilbie from their affectionate nephews Arthur & Frank' dated 1.1.1900. In the original cloth binding, with gilt decorations to the front board and to the spine. Externally, very smart, with light rubbing, moreso to the spine and to the joints. Light bumping to the extremities and the occasional mark to boards. Damp staining to the rear board. D. B. Friend bookseller label to the front paste down. Internally, firmly bound. Pages bright and clean with the odd spot. Ink inscription to the reverse of the frontispiece. Very Good Indeed . Ill.: Hugh Thomson. Very Good Indeed .