Books

First edition, one of the rarest first editions of the few enduringly popular novels of the 18th century, missing from many significant collections. The first edition was published - despite the garbled date given in the imprint - on 27 January 1722. Two more editions followed in the same year. With Moll Flanders and his later "fortunate mistress" Roxana, "indisputably Defoe has created two of the strongest and most important women characters in the history of literature" (ODNB). "The first English author to write without imitating or adapting foreign works, to devise for himself an artistic form which is perhaps without precedent. is Daniel Defoe, father of the English novel" (James Joyce, Daniel Defoe, ed. and trans. J. Prescott, Buffalo Studies, 1, 1964, 7). Provenance: with the distinctive circular white leather book label of the celebrated collector Edward Vernon Utterson (1776-1856), an original member of the Roxburghe Club, whose library was sold by Sotheby's in 1852 and 1857. The sides are stamped with the gilt monogram GJV, apparently that of George John Venables-Vernon (1803-1866), who assumed the surname Warren in 1837 when he was elevated to the peerage as fifth Baron Vernon. The family seat was at Sudbury Hall, Derbyshire. Lord Vernon amassed a fine library of books and manuscripts, some of which were sold about 1839, when Utterson had the opportunity to buy the book. Lord Vernon later devoted himself to his studies as a Dante scholar. Utterson, whose middle name was bestowed in gratitude to Admiral Sir Edward Vernon, may have been attracted by the coincidence of the name, though "Old Grog" was from the Cheshire branch of the Vernon family. His own binding monogram bears some resemblance to that of Vernon and was perhaps modelled on it. Furbank & Owens 213; Moore 446; Rothschild 777; Sabin 19278. Octavo (186 x 112 mm). Early 19th-century Russia, rebacked with original spine laid down, spine lettered in two compartments, others richly gilt with a variety of ornamental rolls, single gilt rule frame to sides, monogram in gilt at centre, decorative gilt roll to board-edges and turn-ins, spot-marbled endpapers, red edges. Housed in a burgundy quarter morocco solander box by the Chelsea Bindery. Without medial blank A8, as usual. All leaves window-mounted, restoration at foot of A2 slightly obscuring signature, paper generally evenly toned, with a few occasional blemishes; a well-restored copy, convenient and pleasant to handle, of a signal rarity.

Moll Flanders by Daniel Defoe is a novel recounting the life of Moll Flanders, who navigates a complex web of marriages, affairs, and criminal activities, ultimately striving for a better life.