Books

First edition of the author's first novel, widely recognized as the first "historical novel", and the first in the eponymous series which soon became among the most popular and widely-read novel series in 19th-century European literature. "At one blow Scott had established a new literary form... [He was] the creator of the historical novel" (PMM). Greville Worthington identifies "a number of unimportant variants and a number of definite misprints which may be used to identify the first edition". All these are present in this copy with correct setting on p. 79 (volume two), "m" present on p. 159 (volume three) and "t" present on p. 253 (volume three). Three vols, duodecimo (177 x 106 mm). Contemporary calf, spines divided into compartments by double fillets in gilt, titles to black labels in gilt, numbered in gilt. Bound without half-titles and terminal imprints in vols one and two. Corners slightly bumped, some extremities slightly worn, head of front joint of volume one splitting, some foxing and browning, occasional short tears and loss (not affecting text), minor paper flaw (leaf F1 of volume two), occasional minor holes and spill-burns; a very good set in an attractive contemporary binding. Printing and the Mind of Man 273; Todd & Bowden 77Aa; Worthington, A Bibliography of the Waverley Novels, I.

The novel 'Waverley' by Walter Scott is regarded as the first historical novel in the English language, blending history with fiction to portray the Jacobite uprising of 1745.