William Makepeace Thackeray — The Virginians

London, Bradbury & Evans, 1858-59. First edition. Leather. The first impression of Thackeray's important historical novel, complete with the original Thackeray plates. The first edition, first impression of this work. Issue points as follows; 'actresses' on page 207, line 33, Volume I; Chapters 47 and 48 are misnumbered as 48 and 49 in Volume I. Bound from the original parts, with puncture marks to the gutter.'The Virginians' is a historical fiction novel set in the eighteenth century, following the grandsons of Henry Esmond, set around the American War of Independence.Volume I illustrated with a frontispiece, vignette title page, twenty-two plates, and in-text engravings.Volume II illustrated with a frontispiece, vignette title page, twenty-two plates, and in-text engravings.Collated, all plates are present.Bound without the half-titles.Written and illustrated by William Makepeace Thackeray is best known for his satirical works looking at English society, most especially for 'Vanity Fair&apos. He tended to be quite savage in his attacks on society, publishing under various pseudonyms in his youth to avoid personal criticism.Prior owner's ink inscription to the verso of the front endpapers, 'W. B. Godfrey, a present from his affection friend, A. G. Woods, January 13 1868&apos. In a half calf binding with marbled paper to the boards. Externally, generally smart, with some rubbing go the boards and spines. Minor bumping to the extremities. Very small crack to the tail of the front joint of Volume II. A few light marks to the boards. Front hinges are starting but firm, rear hinges are a little strained. Prior owner's ink inscription to the verso of the front endpapers. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are lightly age-toned and generally clean with some spotting, mostly to the first and last few pages. Frontispiece and engraved title of Volume I are age-toned, engraved title is lifting a small amount to the tail. Plates of Volume I are age-toned, discolouration to the gutter of plate facing pages 124, 225, and 286, and a little light to a couple of other plates. Plates of Volume II are age-toned, with a similar small amount of discolouration to the gutters, though fainter than in Volume I. Bound without the half-titles. Good . Ill.: William Makepeace Thackeray. Good .