Waverley; or, 'Tis Sixty Years Since

Edinburgh: James Ballantyne and Co. for Archibald Constable; Longman, 1814 . First edition. Leather. Good Only. 7.5" by 4.5". None. The first edition of the first two volumes of Sir Walter Scott's historical novel, set at the time of the Jacobite uprising. The first two volumes only of the three volume first edition of Sir Walter Scott's important novel, regarded as one of the first historical novels of the western tradition.Volumes I and II of the first edition of the work, published anonymously and without the author's name to the title pages. Already a famous poet, Scott chose not to reveal his identity as it was his first foray into prose fiction. While it was an open secret for many years, Scott did not openly admit to authorship until 1827.With half title to volume II only, and fly titles to volumes I and II.Corresponding with the issue points laid out by Greville Worthington in 'A Bibliography Of The Waverley Novels', pages 1-11.With an armorial stamp to the front pastedown of volume II, and an inscription to the head of the title page of volume II.The first edition of two volumes of one of the most important works of literature published in the nineteenth century. In mixed bindings. With volume I in a full calf binding, and volume II in a half calf binding with marbled paper covered boards. Volume I front board detached, with rear joint starting and board holding firm. Discolouration to volume II back strip, with rubbing to joints and minor loss to spine head. Armorial stamp to volume II front pastedown. Internally, firmly bound. Inscription to head of volume I title page. Spotting to volume II, with areas of significant handling marks, some foxing, and stain to tail of page 245. Pages of volume II bright and generally clean, with light spotting to page perimeters. Good Only