The Newcomes: Memoirs of a Most Respectable Family (Complete Two-Volume Set, 1854–1855)

Title: The Newcomes: Memoirs of a Most Respectable Family (Complete Two-Volume Set, 1854–1855) Author: William Makepeace Thackeray (writing as Arthur Pendennis) Illustrator: Richard Doyle Publisher: Bradbury and Evans, 11 Bouverie Street, London Publication Date: 1854–1855 Edition: First Edition in Book Form Binding: Hardcover – Contemporary Leather Binding Condition: Good Description: An attractive two-volume set of William Makepeace Thackeray's celebrated Victorian novel The Newcomes: Memoirs of a Most Respectable Family, published in London by Bradbury and Evans in 1854 and 1855. This is the first edition in book form of one of Thackeray's major works, originally issued in monthly instalments between October 1853 and August 1855. The novel is presented as the memoirs of the Newcome family, ostensibly edited by Arthur Pendennis, the fictional narrator of Thackeray's earlier novel Pendennis. It offers a richly observed portrait of Victorian society, exploring family relationships, social ambition, wealth, marriage and the conventions of nineteenth-century English life. The work is illustrated by Richard Doyle, one of the most accomplished illustrators of the Victorian period, with engravings on steel and wood. Binding and Presentation: The two volumes are uniformly bound in attractive nineteenth-century tan leather, with richly gilt-decorated spines. Each spine features a contrasting black leather title label, with gilt lettering identifying the work and volume number. The spines are ornamented with elaborate gilt floral tooling, decorative bands and additional gilt embellishments. Particularly attractive are the original multicoloured marbled page edges, which retain their distinctive patterns and provide considerable decorative appeal. The bindings have acquired an attractive patina consistent with their considerable age. Condition: Good antique condition. Both volumes retain their original decorative leather bindings, which display age-related rubbing, surface wear, scuffing and discolouration. The gilt spine decoration remains attractive and clearly visible, with both title labels present and legible. There is some wear to the extremities, including a small area of loss at the foot of the spine of Volume I. The marbled page edges remain particularly attractive, retaining their original colours and intricate patterns. The photographed preliminary leaves exhibit noticeable foxing and age-related discolouration, particularly the leaf facing the title page of Volume I. The title page itself is considerably cleaner, although some scattered spotting is evident. The text-block edges are slightly irregular, consistent with the age and construction of the volumes. Overall, an appealing nineteenth-century two-volume set retaining considerable original character and decorative charm. Please examine the accompanying photographs, which form part of the condition description. Bibliographical Interest: The first edition in book form was published in two volumes, with Volume I dated 1854 and Volume II dated 1855. The original edition contains illustrations on steel and wood by Richard Doyle, including engraved plates and numerous illustrations incorporated into the text. The book is an important example of the collaboration between Thackeray and Doyle during the flourishing period of Victorian illustrated fiction. Collector's Interest: An attractive addition to any collection of Victorian literature, nineteenth-century illustrated books, the works of William Makepeace Thackeray or decorative leather bindings. The combination of early publication, uniform gilt-decorated leather bindings and exceptionally attractive marbled edges gives this set particular visual appeal. …