The History of Tom Jones, A Foundling.

FIRST EDITION, FIRST ISSUE

In Six Volumes. 12mo. Bound in modern leather reminiscent of the style of the period. London: Printed for A. Millar, 1749. First Edition. First Issue. The first edition consisted of 2000 copies, which were virtually all spoken for prior to the formal day of publication. The copies of the first edition are distinguished by the presence of the Errata Page after the Table of Contents in Volume I. The errata were corrected and the page taken over by the enlargement of the contents in the unmarked second edition of 1500 copies. The second edition was ordered after the first edition was exhausted. Both editions were in circulation on the formal publication day of 28 February. This set exhibits the usual cancels, with the rare cancel B5 unsigned in Volume VI. (Cross III: 317; Rothschild 850-1; Grolier English Hundred 48. ESTC T1947.)

Tom Jones is regarded as one of the first and most influential English novels. Coleridge acknowledged it as having one of the three great plots of all literature. Although a great success, the book drew criticism from many, including Dr. Johnson, for the hero's high-spirited and varied sexual escapades. Former owner's signature on title pages. Some soiling and chipping, especially to the beginning of volume II; o/w a very nice set.