Thoughts in the Form of Maxims Addressed to Young Ladies

London: Printed for T. Cornell, 1789. First edition. Very Good. Bound without half-title, else complete including advertisement and errata leaves: iii-xii, [2], 68, 67-149 (with 49 misnumbered 29 and 148 misnumbered 248 as called for by ESTC). Contemporary sheep rebacked to style with red morocco spine label. Front board slightly bowed. Some marginal browning to first and last few leaves, otherwise clean throughout. Bookplate of Peter Stewart Young (and some evidence of older, removed bookplate) to upper pastedown. A pleasing, Very Good copy of a rather tongue-in-cheek advice manual on feminine politeness, by a woman who notoriously eschewed such conformist behavior.

The great aunt of George Gordon, Lord Byron, Isabella Howard, Countess of Carlisle was a painter as well as a writer; and like her nephew, she lived a somewhat notorious life. While her first marriage with the 4th Earl of Carlisle was fairly staid and produced five children (four of them daughters), her second marriage to the much younger 6th Baronet of Musgrave culminated in separation. She would spend the next thirteen years traveling Europe, gambling, and enjoying the company of men. "While traveling, she entertained herself by writing a compilation of 'maxims' intended as general matrimonial and etiquette advice for younger female relatives and friends...When eventually compelled to return to England, Isabella settled in Bath and sought a publisher for her compilation - published as Thoughts in the Form of Maxims - in the winter of 1789. It immediately stirred interest amongst those who thought her entirely unqualified to be issuing advice on proper conduct" (Brand). The extent to which she took her own maxims seriously is at question, given her own marriage advice to her daughters.

ESTC T114825. Very Good.