The Vicar of Wakefield: A Tale.: Supposed to be written by Himself.

Salisbury: by B. Collins for F. Newbery,, 1766. One of the most popular and influential 18th-century novels First edition of Goldsmith's sentimental masterpiece, one of the most popular novels of its age - more than 20 editions followed before the close of the century - and long recognized as one of the classics of 18th-century literature. This Salisbury edition is the true first, preceding the London edition by slightly over two months. Publication was much delayed, coming four years after the rights to the manuscript were sold to the publisher by Samuel Johnson on Goldsmith's behalf. The delay is ascribed to Goldsmith's revisions, or the publisher's reticence to commit to printing the work until Goldsmith had established a reputation. The edition was burdened with a number of typographic errors or omissions, the most significant of which have been sorted into four variants. This set is of the second variant, with no catchword on vol. I p. 213, the corrected catchword on vol. II p. 39, and vol. II p. 159 correctly numbered. Two volumes, duodecimo (170 x 99 mm). Contemporary calf, neatly rebacked with the original spines laid down. Housed in early 20th-century custom blue morocco pull-off case by Riviere & Son. Contemporary armorial bookplate of the Walbancke family to front pastedowns. Complete with blank A12. A little rubbed, offsetting from turn-ins, loss to front free endpaper in vol. II, a little shaken. A good copy. ESTC T146176; Grolier English, 53, Rothschild 1028.