Thomas Love Peacock — Melincourt

London, T Hookham, 1817. First edition. Leather. A very scarce first edition of Thomas Love Peacock's noted novel 'Melincourt&apos. It is Love Peacock's second novel. In a contemporary quarter calf binding with paper covered boards.The premise of this novel is Love Peacock's attempt to ridicule the so-called Rotten Boroughs of the United Kingdom. These areas had electorate so small that they were frequently used by a patron to gain unrepresentative influence within the unreformed House of Commons. It is a vibrant satire, which sees an orangutan as a member of parliament.  Sir Oran, visits Melincourt where he meets the heroine of the tale, Anthelia Melincourt. Other themes in this satire include consumerism, the dangers of paper-money, the value of chivalry and the boundaries between humans and animals. Bound without the half-titles.With the bookplate of John Phillips Beavan to the front pastedown. A rare work, and one of Thomas Love Peacock's best satires. In a half calf binding, with paper covered boards. Externally, very smart with light patches of rubbing to the head and tail of spines. Bookplates to the front pastedowns. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright. Scattered spots to the endpapers. Occasional light spots throughout. Very Good Indeed . Ill.: None. Very Good Indeed .