THE ADVENTURES OF PEREGRINE PICKLE. In which are included, Memoirs of a Lady of Quality - 1751

London: the author, 1751. In four volumes. Pp. x+288+[x]+322+[vi]+306(last misnumbered 205, verso blank)+viii+316(last blank); cr. 12mo; early mottled calf, spines decorated in gilt compartments between raised bands, with gilt lettered and decorated contrasting red & black morocco title and volume labels, boards with double gilt rule border, edges lightly rubbed, fore-corners slightly worn, the joints starting or tender, spines lightly rubbed and with small chips to extremities, Volumes III and IV lacking the title label, the title label to Volume II chipped; all edges sprinkled red; hinges starting, a couple of small edge chips, a few leaves slightly creased, outer leaves a trifle foxed; printed for the author and sold by D. Wilson, London, 1751. First edition. ESTC T55344; Rothschild 1910. *With the cancel leaf L12 in Volume III (as usual), the erratum in Volume II and the final blanks in Volumes II and III. The Memoirs of a Lady of Quality are by Viscountess Vane (1713-1788), who paid Smollett to insert them in the novel. 'Peregrine Pickle is a comic and savage portrayal of 18th century society. Peregrine's journey through Europe, his many debaucheries, and his final repentance all provide scope for Smollett's satire on human cruelty, stupidity and greed' [Britannica].