A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy.

London: T. Becket and P. A. De Hondt,, 1768. Sterne's last work First edition of Sterne's influential final work, published only three weeks before the author's death. While some scholars have cited this work as a parody of the genre Sterne's popular travelogue established sentimental travel literature as a predominant genre in the late 18th century. In 1765, Sterne travelled through France and Italy as far south as Naples: this novel contains an account of his journey, narrated by the author's alter-ego Mr. Yorick. A Sentimental Journey was defined by Ruth Griffith, contemporary editor and bookseller, as Sterne's "best production" in his journal Monthly (no. 38, April 1768, p. 310). For Sterne, this was his "work of redemption", and it represents "an attempt at self-justification for his life and his writings, a final effort to find the proper equation between human and divine love (more broadly, between human appetites and spiritual injunctions)—a problem that had dogged Sterne throughout his life" (ODNB). Two volumes bound in 1 volume, octavo (153 x 92 mm). Contemporary sprinkled calf, spine with blind ruled raised bands, double gilt fillets to compartments, red morocco label, gilt decoration to board edges, edges sprinkled red. Extremities rubbed, light marks to covers, front board reattached, rear joint and spine repaired, some loss to calf at head of spine and corners, the binding overall firm and sound, very occasional spots of foxing to contents, otherwise internally crisp and clean. A very good copy. Rothschild 1791.