The Adventures of Philip on His Way Through the World
first edition 3 vols. 8vo
1862 · London
by Thackeray, W[illiam] M[akepeace]
London: Smith, Elder and Co, 1862. First edition, second binding (but first "official" issue). 3 vols. 8vo. Original brown pebbled cloth (Sadleir's binding "i"). Bookplate; institutional notice in third volume (though no other ex-libris markings). Chipping and fraying to spine ends, hinges weak or cracked, a couple leaves with some minor marginal chipping and creasing, else very good. First edition, second binding (but first "official" issue). 3 vols. 8vo. The First "Official" Issue. Although Sadleir lists this binding first, he persuasively argues that it was probably the second binding based on the imprint on the spine -- ours reading Smith, Elder & Co. The brass imprint "Smith & Elder" was discontinued between 1824 and 1826. Apparently it was resurrected specifically for this title. Sadleir hypothesizes that given that George Smith was a very particular man and given his veneration for Thackeray, the violet-blue binding with "Smith & Elder" on the spine was probably done first. Smith probably rejected the imprint and thought the plain binding unworthy of the likes of Thackeray. Hence, the present binding was introduced, "furnished with a publiserh's catalogue, and Statutory copies were sent out in that style." Sadleir I: 339. Although the blue binding was the first done, it was the last to reach the market. Sadleir 3186 (Inventory #: 48685)