HALIDON HILL; A DRAMATIC SKETCH, FROM SCOTTISH HISTORY

Edinburgh: Printed for Archibald Constable and Co, 1822. FIRST EDITION, First Impression. 222 x 140 mm. (8 3/4 x 5 1/2"). 8 pp. (ads), [1] leaf (blank) 8 pp. (ads), [3] leaves (half-title, title page, dedication), [7]-109, [1] pp., [1] leaf (notes).
ORIGINAL DRAB PAPER WRAPPERS, titling printed on cover, untrimmed edges. Verso of front flyleaf with engraved bookplate of Graham W. Murdoch. Todd & Bowden 158Aa. ◆Tiny losses to backstrip, covers very slightly soiled, leaves faintly browned at edges with occasional minor foxing, but an excellent copy, the fragile original wrappers still entirely sound, and the text clean and fresh.

Although this lesser-known work is written as a "dramatic sketch," Scott tells us in the preface that it is not intended to be produced on the stage. "Halidon Hill" tells the story of the reconciliation between two feuding Scottish chiefs before they die valiantly in the fight against Edward III of England. The "Eclectic Review" of September 1822 says, "This is a 'sketch,' but it is from the hand of a master; and there is a chasteness and simplicity in the poetry, such as are displayed in our ancient ballads, which might have suffered from elaboration." The work is not rare, but it is scarce in original wrappers, especially so in excellent condition. The bookplate tells us that our previous owner, Graham W. Murdoch, was editor of the "Newcastle Daily Journal," the "Yorkshire Weekly Post," the "Scottish Farmer," "Scottish Field," and served as the "West Riding Representative (Hon.) of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries.".