Books

Three-volume first edition of the fifth and final novel Radcliffe saw published in her lifetime. Considered by many to have perfected the gothic literary form (culminating in The Italian), Radcliffe influenced the writings of such figures as Mary Shelley, Edgar Allan Poe, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, and Jane Austen. The popularity of her works meant that she became the highest-paid writer of the 1790s; The Italian brought in a staggering £800 from her publishers (£10 was a commonplace figure for a writer to receive for a manuscript). The first edition of The Italian did not contain the corrections Radcliffe made for the second edition (published in the same year); thus, this copy represents the earliest and most unadulterated textual version of an essential gothic novel. Contemporary calf; spine, corners, and hinges rubbed. Gilt spines with black and gilt title and volume labels. Volume labels missing from 1 and 2; half of title label missing on volume 1. Hinges starting to crack but…

The Italian is a tale of love and terror, primarily set in Italy. It involves a plot of thrilling suspense and numerous Gothic elements.