Books

4 vols., 12mo., with all the half-titles (that to vol. III slightly frayed at fore-edge); portions of blank margin of F7 and H8 in volume I torn away (no loss), tear through N12 repaired, a few minor spots and stains, but withal a very good copy in early half calf and marbled boards, neatly rebacked; ownership inscriptions of Frances Gardiner in each volume, presentation note from her to Eleanor Walters in volume I.First edition of a cornerstone of gothic fiction, 'a book so rich in Gothic ideas and techniques that its far-reaching influence can scarcely be overstated � Its wild and lush landscapes became ubiquitous too, in the imagination of contemporaries, and it is no surprise to find Keats, in 1818, writing playfully to John Hamilton Reynolds: "I am going into scenery where I intend to tip you a Damosel Radcliffe I'll cavern you, and grotto you, and waterfall you, and wood you, and immense-rock you, and tremendous sound you, and solitude you". No one of his, or the previous, generation would have misunderstood the allusion' (Frank). Garside, Raven and Sch�werling 1794: 47; Rothschild 1701; Tinker 1703. Language: English.

A tale of mystery and terror set in the Appennines region of Italy, it follows the story of young Emily St. Aubert and the mysterious Montoni.