A Sentimental Journey through France and Italy by Sterne, Laurence / illustrated by Norah McGuinness - 1926

First published in 1768, just a few weeks before the Irish author Sterne died, this book recounts the amorous adventures of the narrator, Reverend Yorick. This is the first edition of the version with the Norah McGuinness illustrations, of which there are six plates, a colour frontispiece and well over 100 smaller illustrations presented throughout the text. McGuinness, who was also Irish, presents some highly stylised and appropriate illustrations to support the somewhat risque text - to me they are vaguely reminiscent of ancient egyptian art with an art deco influence. This book also provides an early example of censorship with the very last word in the book having been removed, although it can be guessed at through context. Grey paper boards with black and blue/green illustration / text over grey cloth backstrip. Backstrip label with title and vignette. Vignette to lower board. 21x16 cm. vii & 241 pp. Top/tail backstrip bumped and worn. Backstrip label worn at one corner. Personal inscription ffep. Clean and tight contents.