A CHRONICLE OF THE CONQUEST OF GRANADA. FROM THE MSS. OF FRAY ANTONIO AGAPIDA by Irving, Washington - 1829

London: John Murray, 1829. Two volumes. Full contemporary calf, preserving the half-title in the first volume (none called for in second). Spines quite browned and worn, with large chip from crown of second, scattered foxing (occasionally moderate), otherwise a very good set. First British edition, succeeding the American edition, but publishing a variant text. Inscribed by Irving: "To Christopher Hughes Esq from his friend Washington Irving London, Nov. 19 - 1829," on the half-title to the first volume, and inscribed again on the title-page of the second volume. The recipient, at the time of the inscription, was charge d'affaires under J.Q. Adams to the court of the Netherlands, and in the course of his diplomatic service, was much in the circle of expatriate American diplomats and artists which Irving frequented during his European sojourn. Throughout his diplomatic service, "he won for himself at all his posts a unique place in the inner circle of social and diplomatic life" - DNB. Early Irving presentation copies, particularly those as meaningful as the present, are scarce. BAL 10126.