AMELIA

London: for A. Millar, 1752. 4 volumes. First Edition, with the rare final leaf “At the Universal-Register-Office” present at the end of Volume II and the final blank N12 in Volume I present. 12mo, handsomely bound in contemporary polished calf, the spines with raised bands and contrasting red and black morocco lettering labels gilt, the bands ruled in gilt. xii, 285, [2]; vii, 262,[1 ad];ix, 323; vii, 296 pp. A very handsome set, the contemporary bindings in a wonderful state of preservation, the tight and clean text essentially free of any foxing, spotting or toning whatsoever, a very desirable set with only light evidence of age or use. AN ESPECIALLY PRETTY SET OF FIELDING'S LAST NOVEL, the product of "a Fielding touched with tears, yet as much in love as ever with nobility and generosity of character, and equally full of interest in men and women" (Cambridge Hist. of English Literature X, p. 37). It is also considered by many to be the first significant novel of social protest and reform in English. It contains many allusions to classical literature and focuses on the theme of marriage and feminine intelligence, but Fielding's stance on gender issues cannot be determined because of the lack of authorial commentary discussing the matter.
From the library of Cullen House. There were two impressions of the first edition, one on 19 December 1751, the second in January 1752; no distinguishing characteristics have been recorded. Rothschild No. 853. Points: Volume 2, p 189 the catchword given as “yna”, rather than “any”; and Volume 3, p 191 line 4 is in the uncorrected state “the at Folly”.