THE WATER WITCH; OR, THE SKIMMER OF THE SEAS. A TALE
London: Henry Colburn and Richard Bentley, 1830. First U.K. Edition. Handsome set of this anonymously-published maritime novel by Cooper, centered around the abduction of a woman by the pirate captain of the Water-Witch, and the subsequent pursuit by her suitor. Precedes the American edition by two months, and preceded only by the rare Dresden edition. Spiller & Blackburn 12; BAL 3846. Item #4598
First Impression. Three 12mo. volumes (19cm); 19th century marbled paper boards and juniper green calf, spines in five compartments, with tan calf labels, and titling and decorative elements stamped in gilt on spines; viii,321,[1]; [ii],316; [ii],308pp. Ink ownership signature of Eleanor Lucy Kindersley (dated 12th September 1882) to front endpaper of each volume, with "The Pious Mansfield Woodhouse" in a different hand at upper front endpaper of Vol.1. Modest rubbing to joints and covers, wear to upper and lower board edges, crowns, and upper board corners (with some board exposure), with a 1.25" split at upper front joint of Vol.3; preliminary blank slightly pulled in Vol.3, with thin crack to gutter at same; terminal ad leaf lacking in Vol.1; text is quite fresh; Very Good.
Price: $650.00