Thinks-I-to-Myself A Serio-Ludicro, Tragico-Comico Tale Written By Thinks-I-to-Myself, Who?

Wilmington [Delaware]: Printed for Matthew R. Lockerman, Robert Porter, printer. Very Good-. 1812. Hardcover. 216 pages; Contemporary full sheepskin leather, flat spine ruled in gilt, with black leather label lettered in gilt. Worn, but sound and complete. DNB and Halkett & Laing, (VI, p. 28) agree in attributing this book to Edward Nares [1762-1841]. He was an English historian and theologian, educated at Westminster School and Christ Church, Oxford. He was Fellow of Merton College, Oxford and became in 1813 Regius Professor of Modern History. He was curate of St Peter-in-the-East, Oxford, and then rector of Biddenden from 1798, and of New Church, Romney from 1827. This novel, essentially a satire of Regency High Society, was startlingly popular, with eight editions in 1812 in England, and about a bazillion in the United States. This one states on the title page: "First Wilmington--from the fourth London edition." There is a neat early repair; the lower corner of pp. 99-100 is torn, but effectively sewn back in place with fine, white thread. Two volumes in one, continuously paginated - (the bastard title of the second volume appears on the verso of page 113. Shaw & Shoemaker 26190. ; Experience the pleasure of reading and appreciating this actual printed item. It has its own physical history that imbues it with a character lacking in ephemeral electronic renderings. .