The Works.: In four Volumes: containing the Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gent.; A Sentimental Journey through France and Italy; Sermons, Letters, &c. with a Life of the Author written by Himself.

London: J. Johnson, T. Becket, R. Baldwin, A. Strahan [& 22 others in London],, 1808. A finely bound set of an early edition of Sterne's collected works, beautifully illustrated, combining suites of plates by two of the most celebrated English book illustrators of the day, Thomas Stothard and John Thurston. Sterne's portrait, in volume I, is after a famous design by Sir Joshua Reynolds. Stothard's illustrations were first published together in the 10-volume edition of 1798 by Cadell & Davies; his marbled leaf is included here in volume I. Stothard (1755-1834) is remembered as "probably the most prolific book illustrator of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries" (ODNB). John Thurston's (1774–1822) illustrations first appeared in 1802 (here dated 1803), in another edition of Sterne's complete works by the same publishers. Thurston's works, realised in pen and tinted with India ink, were "pleasing... admirably adapted to the wood-engraver's art, which was carried to its greatest perfection under his influence" (ODNB). Four volumes, octavo (209 x 127 mm). Contemporary straight-grain morocco, spines with gilt-dotted raised bands, elaborate decoration, and gilt lettering in compartments, covers panel-stamped in gilt and blind with interlaced garlands and foliate detail, gilt decoration to board edges and turn-ins, marbled endpapers, edges gilt, blue silk bookmarkers. With 27 engraved plates and numerous woodcuts in text. Spines slightly faded, minor rubbing at extremities, a few small marks to covers, inner hinges cracked at ends, bookblock remaining firm, contents clean and fresh. A very good copy presenting attractively in a period binding.