Gibbon, Edward.

An Essay on the Study of Literature. Written originally in French...now first translated into English. For T. Becket and P.A. de Hondt, 1764, 8vo, first edition, large paper copy, advertisements at end, modern morocco-backed blue cloth, spine lettered in gilt; Miscellaneous Works...with memoirs of his life and writings...with occasional notes and narrative, by John Lord Sheffield. For A. Strahan, and T. Cadell Jun. and W. Davies, 1796, 4to, 2 volumes, elizabeth foster's copy with her ownership inscription on the title of volume 1, frontispiece silhouette of Gibbon in volume 1, errata and advertisement leaf at end, contemporary plain calf, frontispiece and endpapers remargined, light spotting and browning, offsetting from portrait, rebacked preserving morocco lettering-pieces, corners repaired (3)

[Essay:] The library of Philip Robinson (according to note by 19th Century Shop, where this copy was acquired by the present owner in 1988)

[Miscellaneous Works:] Gibbon's erstwhile friend and correspondent, the "bewitching animal" elizabeth foster, later duchess of devonshire (1757-1824), her ownership inscription on title dated 1799 (several letters to and about her are printed in The Letters of Edward Gibbon, ed. J.E. Norton, 1956); her grandson Vere Henry Louis Foster (1819-1900), author of The Two Duchesses (1898), ownership signature on title; G. Stewardson, ownership signature on front free endpapers; Thomas Stewardson, Philadelphia, book-label on pastedown of volume 2

Norton 6 & 131; Rothschild 939 & 948

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."