London, Printed for G. G. and J. Robinson, 1794
'horrid book'. The first edition of Ann Radcliffe's (1764-1823) Mysteries of Udolpho. 'The seminal terror Gothic romance and the premier maiden-centered Gothic of the eighteen century, Udolpho's vast influence in both its own time and ours can hardly be overestimated' (Tymn).
Published anonymously, as was the custom for female authors of the day, Radcliffe's novel popularised many of the tropes associated with the genre of Romantic literature at the turn of the century. The work's enduring popularity is hinted at by its appearance in Jane Austen's coming-of-age tale Northanger Abbey (1817), where as one of the 'Horrid Mysteries' it serves as an important plot device which frames the naive world view of the protagonist Catherine — for 'while I have Udolpho to read, I feel as if nobody could make me miserable'.
First edition; 4 vols, 12mo (17.5 x 11 cm); half-titles, ownership inscription to front pastedown of vol. 1, a few minor losses to corners not affecting text; uniformly bound in speckled calf, gilt spine, contrasting green and black morocco lettering-pieces, gilt roll to edges, corners bumped, minor wear to extremities and panels; [4], 428; [4], 478; [4], 463, [1]; [4], 428pp.
ESTC T62063; Lowndes 2035; Rothschild 1701; Summers 434; Tinker 1703.
Published anonymously, as was the custom for female authors of the day, Radcliffe's novel popularised many of the tropes associated with the genre of Romantic literature at the turn of the century. The work's enduring popularity is hinted at by its appearance in Jane Austen's coming-of-age tale Northanger Abbey (1817), where as one of the 'Horrid Mysteries' it serves as an important plot device which frames the naive world view of the protagonist Catherine — for 'while I have Udolpho to read, I feel as if nobody could make me miserable'.
First edition; 4 vols, 12mo (17.5 x 11 cm); half-titles, ownership inscription to front pastedown of vol. 1, a few minor losses to corners not affecting text; uniformly bound in speckled calf, gilt spine, contrasting green and black morocco lettering-pieces, gilt roll to edges, corners bumped, minor wear to extremities and panels; [4], 428; [4], 478; [4], 463, [1]; [4], 428pp.
ESTC T62063; Lowndes 2035; Rothschild 1701; Summers 434; Tinker 1703.
About us
Shapero Rare Books is an internationally renowned dealer in antiquarian & rare books and works on paper.
Our Bookshop and Gallery can be found in the heart of Mayfair at 106 New Bond Street, where most of our stock is available to view and on public display.
We exhibit at major international art fairs, including TEFAF (Maastricht and New York), Frieze Masters, Art Miami and Masterpiece London, as well as antiquarian & rare book fairs including New York, Paris, London, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Hong Kong.
