The Virginians

London: Bradbury & Evans, 1858-59. First edition. Leather. Very Good. 8.5" by 5.5". William Makepeace Thackeray. A nice first issue of Thackeray's historical novel revolving around the American War of Independence, illustrated throughout with Thackeray's original plates. The first edition, first impression of this work. Issue points as follows; 'actresses' on page 207, line 33, Volume I; Chapters 47 and 48 are misnumbered as 48 and 49 in Volume I.Bound from the original parts, with puncture marks to the gutter.'The Virginians' is a historical fiction novel set in the eighteenth century, following the grandsons of Henry Esmond, set around the American War of Independence.Volume I illustrated with a frontispiece, vignette title page, twenty-two plates, and in-text engravings.Volume II illustrated with a frontispiece, vignette title page, twenty-two plates, and in-text engravings.Collated, all plates present. Bound without title-pages.Written and illustrated by William Makepeace Thackeray is best known for his satirical works looking at English society, most especially for 'Vanity Fair'. He tended to be quite savage in his attacks on society, publishing under various pseudonyms in his youth to avoid personal criticism. In a half morocco binding with marbled paper to the boards. Externally, generally smart, with some rubbing to the boards and spines. Light bumping to the spines and extremities, with a little loss of paper to the extremities. Spines are a little faded. Rear hinge of Volume II is starting but firm. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are lightly age-toned and generally clean with some spots. Spots and tidemarks to the plates. Closed tear to page 183/184 of Volume II, with no loss of text. Very Good