The Desultory Man

New York : Harper and Brothers, 1836. Cloth. Good Only. 7.5" by 4.5". None. A very scarce early American edition of The Desultory Man a novel by George Payne Rainsford James. In two volumes complete. George Payne Rainsford James (1799 - 1860), was an English novelist and historical writer. He was for many years British Consul at various places in the United States and on the Continent. He held the honorary office of British Historiographer Royal during the last years of William IV's reign. At an early age he began to write romances, and continued his production with such industry that his works reach to one hundred volumes. This excessive production was fatal to his permanent reputation; but his books had considerable immediate popularity. Among them are Richelieu, Philip Augustus, The Huguenot, Henry of Guise, The Man at Arms, The King's Highway, The Commissioner: or, De lunatico Inquirendo, Agincourt and The Smuggler. In addition to his novels he wrote Memoirs of Great Commanders, a Life of the Black Prince, and other historical and biographical works. With a dedication 'To Miss M. L. Boyle' from the author to front dated 26th September 1836 to front of volume one. Previous owner's ink inscriptions dated 1837 to titles. In cloth bindings. Externally, sound but with some wear to extremities, rubbing and marks to boards including the odd ink mark and staining. Slight loss to spine labels, loss to cloth to joints, possibly evidence of past worming. Two hinges strained, one tender. Internally, generally firmly bound although strained in places with some pages loosening. Bright but with occasional slight foxing and handling marks, foxing heavier and slight tidemarks to pastedowns. Free endpapers absent. Marginal chipping in places. Good Only