1831 Rare Book set bound by Kaufmann - The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle illustrated by Cruikshank.
Author: Tobias George Smollett. (George Cruikshank, illustrator).
Title: The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle, to Which Is Added Memoirs of a Lady of Quality.
Publisher: London, James Cochrane and Co. 1831. Complete 2 volume set.
Language: Text in English.
Size : 7 " X 4.5 ".
Pages: 522-448 pages.
Binding: Attractive and very good, near fine binding, finely bound in full navy blue morocco leather signed by S. Kaufmann (hinges fine) under a protective removable mylar cover.
Content: Very good content (bright, tight and clean, rare light foxing or staining - as shown). Top edges gilt.
Illustration: Complete with the 8 illustrations by George Cruikshank.
The book: Rare and attractive edition of The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle -- a picaresque novel by the Scottish author Tobias Smollett, first published in 1751 and revised and published again in 1758. It tells the story of an egotistical man who experiences luck and misfortunes in the height of 18th-century European society. The novel begins with the character of Peregrine as a young country gentleman rejected by his cruel mother, ignored by his indifferent father, and hated by his degenerate brother. After their alienation, he turns to Commodore Hawser Trunnion, who raises him. Peregrine's detailed life experience provides a scope for Smollett's satire on human cruelty, stupidity, and greed: from his upbringing, education at Oxford, journey to France, jailing at the Fleet, unexpected succession to his father's fortune, and final repentance and marriage to his beloved Emilia. The novel is written as a series of adventures, with every chapter depicting a new experience. The novel also contains a lengthy independent story called "The Memoirs of a Lady of Quality", written by Frances Vane, Viscountess Vane.
The author: Tobias George Smollett (baptized 19 March 1721 – 17 September 1771) was a Scottish poet and author. He was best known for his picaresque novels, such as The Adventures of Roderick Random (1748), The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle (1751), and The Expedition of Humphry Clinker (1771),[1] which influenced later novelists, including Charles Dickens. His novels were amended liberally by printers; a definitive edition of each of his works was edited by Dr O. M. Brack Jr to correct such vations.
The illustrator: George Cruikshank (27 September 1792 – 1 February 1878) was a British caricaturist and book illustrator, praised as the "modern Hogarth" during his life. His book illustrations for his friend Charles Dickens, and many other authors, reached an international audience.