STERNE, Laurence.
The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman.
Laurence Sterne’s Masterpiece The Life and Opinions of Tristam Shandy; Finely Bound by Sangorski & Sutcliffe
London: John Lane/The Bodley Head Limited, 1928.
$1,200.00
In Stock
Item Number: RRB-148365
* Custom Clamshell Boxes are hand made by the Harcourt Bindery upon request and take approximately 60 days to complete
The Bodley Head Limited edition of one of the greatest comic novels in the English language. Royal octavo, bound in full morocco by Sangorski & Sutcliffe with gilt titles to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, top edge gilt, gilt turn-ins and inner dentelles, marbled endpapers, frontispiece, with black and white illustrations throughout. In fine condition. Illustrations and decorations by John Austen. Introduction by J.B. Priestley. A beautiful example of this landmark 18th-century English novel.
Tristram Shandy is considered by many the first modern novel and Sterne the father of stream of consciousness writing. It is perhaps the most literal example of a novel available. Sterne was an Anglican Vicar who was influenced by Pope, Locke, Swift and Cervantes. His narrative devices and styles have indelibly influenced many modern and postmodern authors: James Joyce, Virginia Woolf, Milan Kundera, Salmon Rushdie among others. "[Sterne] remains, as the author of Tristram Shandy, a delineator of the comedy of human life before whom only three or four humorous writers, in any tongue or of any age, can justly claim precedence… he deserves many of the honors that have been paid to Pope and Swift" (DNB). Tristram Shandy's huge popular success made Sterne the toast of the London literary world. When some volumes were pirated, Sterne began signing some genuine editions of his work. This set is signed by Sterne at the head of the opening chapter
The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman.
$1,200.00
In Stock
