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). Three vols, duodecimo (182 x 103 mm). Contemporary green half sheep, spines lettered in gilt, marbled sides. With half-titles and terminal imprint leaves. Contemporary "Mitchell" book label. Some worming to binding and contents, light wear and rubbing, half-titles restored at head (not near text), light foxing, a few pages opened a little roughly, small chip to pp. 325/6 vol. I glancing a few letters. A good, attractive copy. Worthington, A Bibliography of the Waverley Novels, I (with his requisite typographical points); Todd & Bowden 77Aa; Printing and the Mind of Man 273.

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.