The Glory and Shame of England (in Two Volumes) by Lester, C. Edwards - 1866

New York: Bartram & Lester, 1866. This handsome set is in Very Good condition and was inscribed opposite the Title Page and signed by C. Edwards Lester as "The Author." (See photo.) C. (Charles) Edwards Lester was an American writer and abolitionist, born in Griswold, Conn., 1815 and died in Detroit, Mich., 1890. The inscription itself is of historical interest and reads as follows: "These volumes are respectfully presented to Leonard M. Jerome, as an admirer of Winfield Scott Hancock, by the friend of both -- The Author, New York, 53 East 21st St., July 8/80." Winfield Scott Hancock (1824-1886) was an American military officer from Pennsylvania, who distinguished himself in major Civil War battles, becoming severely wounded in the Battle of Gettysburg. A month prior to this set's inscription, in June, 1880, Hancock became the Democratic nominee for President of the U.S. He was a friend of both Lester and Jerome, who were both supporting him in this Presidential bid, which is the meaning of the inscription. Hancock later lost the election to Republican James Garfield by only about 32,000 votes, showing that extremely tight Presidential elections are not a new phenomenon in America. As for the book set itself, I will provide a brief history. In 1840, C. Edwards Lester visited England as delegate to the World Anti-Slavery Convention. While there, he was appalled by British imperialism in Ireland and Asia, particularly India; by the corruptions of the Anglican Church; and by the atrocities of the Oligarchical System, in which a few aristocrats had power over the country's impoverished masses. In 1841, a First Edition in two volumes was published by Harper and Brothers of Lester's scathing attack on English social and economic injustices. I am offering the First Printing of a completely revised, updated, and expanded Second Edition from 1866, based on the author's repeated visits to England and seven years spent on the continent in the public service. The book also includes Lester's meetings with Charles Dickens, the abolitionist poet Thomas Campbell, and others who exposed the plight of the poor in England. The volumes have clean green cloth covers, with blindstamped borders, bright die-stamped gilt on front panels and spines, and beveled edges. Shelf-rubbing is light, although the cloth is rubbed at the corners. Also, there is a small circular area of discoloration (about an inch diameter) on the rear panel of Volume I that looks like it might be from candle wax. The interiors have brown endpapers. The bindings are all tight and secure. The pages are white and bright throughout, without foxing problems, tears, etc. However, a former owner has used a discreet embossment stamp on several pages. Each book measures 5 3/4 by 8 1/4 inches, with a total of 601 pages.. Signed by Author. Hard Cover. Very Good/No Jacket. Illus. by . 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.