Edgeworth, Maria and Richard Lovell Edgeworth.

Patronage. For J. Johnson and co., 1814, 4 volumes, first edition, half-titles in volumes 2, 3 and 4, errata leaf at the end of volume 4, contemporary half calf, bookplates, marbled boards, foxed, some gatherings partially loose,,upper cover of volume 1 detached, further wear and discoloration to binding; Harrington, a Tale; and Ormond, a Tale. For R. Hunter and Baldwin, Cradock, and Joy, 1817, 3 volumes, first edition, without the publisher's advertisements found in some copies, contemporary half calf, marbled boards, red speckled edges, bookplates, some joints cracked, slight discoloration to binding; Helen, a Tale. Richard Bentley, 1834, 3 volumes, first edition, half-titles, contemporary half calf, cloth boards, morocco labels, some foxing and staining; Comic Dramas. For R. Hunter and Baldwin, Cradock and Joy, 1817, first edition, lacking half-title and final leaf of publisher's advertisements, presentation inscription on title page ("Eliza Duckworth | to C. Clark"), nineteenth-century half calf, marbled boards, foxing, binding worn; these 12mo--[with Richard Lovell Edgeworth] Essay in Irish Bulls. For J. Johnson, 1802, 8vo, first edition, engraved Bull vignette after designs by Maria Edgeworth, presentation copy from the authors, inscribed on the title page ("M^rs. Mary Sneyd | from the authors"), additionally and similarly inscribed on p.1 of the text, later presentation inscription on title page (? by Mary Sneyd) "to  M^rs. Edgeworth | July 1817" [i.e. to Frances Edgeworth, Richard Edgeworth's fourth wife], contemporary tree calf, earlier inscription slightly shaved, joints partially split, binding somewhat worn; another copy,  contemporary half calf, marbled boards, upper cover nearly detached, binding worn; and two others, reprints (15)

Slade 16A, 18A, 23A, 26A, 19A,9A
Sadleir 780, p.118, 769, 771, 764

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 presentation copy of Essay on Irish Bulls is inscribed to Maria's aunt, and Richard's sister-in-law Mary Sneyd, sister of his second wife Honora and third wife Elizabeth. Mary settled at Edgeworthstown in the 1820s and became the most important of all the advisors Maria Edgeworth used in a circle of editors drawn from her extended family network (see the Bodleian Library Record, April 2010, discussing the acquisition of a copy of Vivian annotated by Maria and Mary). Maria Edgeworth later commented of Essay in Irish Bulls that "no book was ever written more completely in partnership" (quoted by Slade). The original design came from her father, "who wished to show the English public the talent and wit of the lower Irish classes" (op.cit.)