Pamela

London: C. Rivington; S. Richardson, 1742. Leather. Very Good. 6.5" by 4". None. A scarce early set of this influential eighteenth century novel, in contemporary calf. Volumes one is the second edition, volume two the fourth edition, volume three is the first edition and volume four the second edition. Volume three catchword misprinted A for As, as called for. Scarce in any early edition. Endpapers and blanks renewed to volumes one and three. As stated on the title pages of volumes one and two, they had intended to be a complete story within themselves. However, due to the instant success of the works, going through five editions in its first year, and prompting the release of many counterfeit sequels, imitators and parodies, Richardson chose to write two more volumes. 'Pamela', or 'Virtue Rewarded', tells of a beautiful 15 year old, Pamela, working as a maidservant under inappropriate master Mr B. Though it was a bestseller when published, it's received criticism over time for it's seeming glorification of abuse. It's been referenced widely in literature, including in 'Jane Eyre', and 'The Haunting of Hill House'.  First published in 1740, this is considered to be one of the first true English novels. It was immensely popular and widely read, however Richardson did receive criticism for its contents, for its perceived licentiousness and disregard for class barriers.  'Pamela' is notable for its early commentary on domestic violence, and the social issues of the Georgian era, told through the eyes of the naive Pamela in her letters to her parents. Rebacked, with contemporary calf boards preserved. Externally smart with marks to the boards and bumping to the extremities. Endpapers and blanks renewed to volumes one and three. Contemporary ink inscriptions to paste downs and preliminaries of all volumes. Internally firmly bound. Loss to extremity of leaf B, slightly affecting the text. Chipping to the occasional other leaf, not affecting the text. Very Good