The Beauties of Sterne. Including all his Pathetic Tales, & Most Distinguished Observations on Life. Selected for the Heart of Sensibility.

London: G. Kearsley, 1783 Hard cover, 12 mo., (measuring x x x inches), in full tree calf gilt, with a red leather label with title applied to the elaborately gilt spine, marbled end papers with a former owner's pencilled signature on the pastedown dating from 1794. Other pencil and old ink dated signatures to both endpapers. Seventh Edition, (2) 284pp. which includes three pages of publisher's adverts at the rear. Printed by C. Etherington, at No. 3 Peter-borough Court, Fleet-Street. Condition: Good. Covers worn, especially the at corners, with small losses at head and tail of spine. Hinges are cracked but holding firmly, the front hinge having been previously reinforced with white tape. A modern collector's blind stamp is also upon the ffep. Text is moderately toned throughout. However, this item remains handsome and entertaining. Irish-born author Laurence Sterne (1713 - 1768) was a novelist and clergyman, famously known as the author of "The Life and Times of Tristram Shandy." This volume is an anthology of entertaining quotes from this, and other writings, including some sermons. ** Publisher and bookseller George Kearsley (the elder) (1739-1790), produced this as part of an anthology series " The Beauties of...". Other subjects included Pope, Johnson, Goldsmith, Fielding, Watts, Swift, Hume and Shakespeare, among others. He was also the producer of the periodical The North Briton, which got him into some hot water for accusing the King of lying in one issue. This item remains handsome, considering its venerable age, with a graceful patina on the splendid tree calf and carefully applied eighteenth- century decoration. Watson II, 949.. Seventh Edition, "With Considerable Additions". Hard Cover. Good Plus.