NELSON FAMILY PRESENTATION COPY The Life of Nelson

London: John Murray, 1824. Richly provenanced Nelson family association copy presented by Horatio Nelson's niece Charlotte Nelson to the future Admiral Richard Crozier. Two handsome small octavo volumes bound in straight grain red morocco with gilt decoration; all edges gilt; grey coated endpapers. Armorial bookplate of Richard Crozier to both front paste-downs. Charlotte Hood - formerly Nelson - has inscribed the verso of the flyleaves of both volumes: 'Richard Crozier R.N. H.M.S. Ariadne from The Hon.ble Mrs Hood. Feb.ry 1826.' She appears to have rubbed out the name of an earlier vessel in place of HMS Ariadne - presumably Crozier had recently changed ship. Tipped in opposite the inscription to volume I is a scrap of paper with 'Robert' written on it and below, the explanation: 'This was written by Robert Southey to try his pen before writing his signature 1834'. Below, in pencil, a much later note: 'Bought in a Bridport bookshop' - possibly referring to this scrap of paper or perhaps the whole volume. A couple of brown spots to prelims; a hole to the first endpaper after the final page of text in vol I, otherwise near fine copies. This is the 'New Edition': Vol I has the portrait of Nelson before the text; Vol II has the leaf of facsimile signatures by Nelson opposite the title page. Charlotte Hood, 3rd Duchess of Bronte (1787-1873) was the daughter of Horatio Nelson's older brother, William Nelson. She married Samuel Hood, 2nd Earl Bridport, politician and peer. The book's recipient, Richard Crozier (1803-1880), was only a lieutenant when these volumes were presented to him - the connection between Lady Hood and the young naval officer is unknown. Southey's life of Nelson shaped the view of England's naval hero for a generation. Please contact Christian White Rare Books Ltd for more information or images of this item 1824