Memoirs of The Life and Correspondence of Mrs H. More (4 vols) (SIGNED LETTER)

London: R. B. Seeley and W. Burnside, 1835. 1st thus (revised). h/b. Very good, 4-vol set of 3rd edition (revised), green patterned clothbound boards (some professional repairs), gilt spine titling, ex-library (Latimer Trust). Text blocks all firm, untrimmed pages crisp. Occasional pencil marking. Bound within vol 3 - signed note from Hannah More dated Dec 24 1828 AND authenticating covering letter from Arthur Roberts). 8vo: crown (200 x 140 / 8"" x 5_""). 3rd edition (revused with new preface). The first edition of a biography of Hannah More (1745-1833) by William Roberts (1767-1849). More's reputation rests firstly as a bluestocking poet and playwright in the circle of Johnson, Reynolds and Garrick; secondly as an immensely successful author of moral and religious works; and, finally as a practical philanthropist. Her writings were heavily influenced by her time teaching at the girl's boarding school founded by her father, where she herself had been educated as a child. The first two editions of these memoirs, each of 2000 copies, sold within the year; a subsequent two volume edition proved even more of a success. The critical reception did not however reflect the commercial popularity; with one reviewer disparagingly remarking that 'Hannah More had been done to death by her friend Roberts'. Roberts, barrister and editor of the British Review, famously quarreled with Byron. Roberts' sister was the executrix of Hannah More's estate.