WORKS OF LAURENCE STERNE by [Sterne Laurence] - 1780

Dublin: np, 1780. 7 volumes. Early Dublin edition, presumed second such and one year after the first Dublin edition. Each volume with a handsome engraved titlepage, volume one with a portrait of Sterne of by Reynolds and a frontispiece by Hogart, 4 additional engravings by Hogart and others as frontispieces to volumes 2 through 5. 12mo, simply but handsomely bound in full contemporary calf, the spines with raised bands and each with one red morocco label lettered in gilt. A fine and attractive set of these classic works, volume one expertly rebacked to match preserving the original morocco label, some volumes with a touch of wear to the joints but all holding firm. An early and important Dublin printing, this was the first edition to include the engraved title pages. It includes Sterne’s masterpiece volumes of TRISTRAM SHANDY as well as THE SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY THROUGH FRANCE AND ITALY, THE LETTERS and THE SERMONS. Also, prefixed to TRISTRAM SHANDY is an account of the life and writings of the author.
Sterne, and Tristram Shandy in particular, are generally regarded as innovators of the highest originality. With this work we see the beginning of a long line of writers interested in the “stream-of- consciousness” style which Sterne largely credited to his interest in the nonfictional works of John Locke. Throughout his works he often parodies, with an unmatched virtuosity, the style, form and conventions of the then still very new “novel” and points out the problems with the art form for presenting reality, space and time. His sly, often salacious and always sharp wit is balanced by an obvious affection and tolerance for the delights and absurdities of life.