Marryat, Frederick

12mo (167 x 103mm.), 2 volumes, FIRST EDITION, half-title in volume 2, steel-engraved frontispiece and three plates by Frank Marryat in both volumes, 4pp. adverts at end of volume 2 recommending "The Juvenile Library", original dark green pebble-grain cloth (regular binding), upper covers blocked in gilt and blind, spine gilt, lower covers in blind, pale yellow endpapers, some slight spotting, binding very slightly worn at extremities and out of shape (2)

Sadleir 1573c; Osborne p.280

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The publishing history of this novel is complicated (see Sadleir p.231). It was preceded by a parts-issue, and at some point the number of plates in volume 1 was reduced from seven to four (an earlier issue of volume 1, probably a family presentation copy, was issued in morocco cloth with the seven plates, but the regular issues have just the four plates in each volume). The Children of the New Forest is one of the first historical novels for children, and perhaps remains the most enduring, establishing the common notion of the English Civil War as a battle between the two opposite sides of Roundheads and Cavaliers.