The Virginians: A Tale of the Last Century

London: Bradbury & Evans, 1857 London: Bradbury and Evans, 1857-1859. In the original 24 serial parts. First edition, first issue, p. 207 with "actresses" for "ancestresses", and part 12 with chapters XVII-XVIII misnumbered as XVIII-XIX. Publisher's yellow paper wrappers, advertisements present. A very good set with some toning and soiling to wrappers, some wear to edges, particularly to volumes I, X, XV, XVI, XVIII-XX, and XIV, the others being only lightly worn, a few light pencil and ink marks from previous owners, volume IV with small bookseller's sticker to front wrapper, volume I with spine split and several pages disbound but present. Overall, a lovely set that presents well. The Virginians, written as a sequel to Thackeray's earlier work Henry Esmond (1852), picks up where the first novel left off, telling the story of Henry Esmond's two grandsons, George and Henry Warrington. A historical novel, the book takes place at the start of the American Revolution, and the two protagonists must navigate the obstacles of standing on opposing sides during the war. Unlike most of Thackeray's work, The Virginians is set in North America.. First Edition. Soft Cover. Very Good.