[Scott, Sir Walter.]

12mo, first edition, 4 volumes, publisher's presentation copy, each volume inscribed to Maria Edgeworth on the title page or opposite ("Maria Edgeworth from | M^r. Murray Feb. 1816" etc), further inscription in another hand on front endpaper of volume 2 ("Miss Edgeworth | with | M^r. Murray's Comp^ts"), further pencil notes recording later gift to Lucy Jane Robinson (Maria Edgeworth's half-sister), without half-title in volume 3, armorial bookplates of Romney Robinson, red speckled edges, contemporary half calf; together with 27 further volumes from the "Tales of My Landlord" series, namely: the  second edition, 4 volumes, spines chipped; second series, 1818, volumes 2-4 only, some spines split ; third edition of same, 1818, 4 volumes, ownership initials of Lucy Jane Robinson, spines torn; third series, 1819, first edition, presentation inscription on front endpaper of volume 1 ("Lovell Edgeworth | to Maria Edgeworth"), Maria's name then crossed through in pencil with note below "given to Lucy [Jane Robinson]"; another copy of the same, 4 volumes; Fourth and last series, 1832, 4 volumes, volume 1 with pencil signature on title "Maria Edgeworth"; another copy of the same, 4 volumes; various contemporary or nineteenth-century half calf bindings; some volumes with the armorial bookplates of Thomas Frankland Lewis; some bindings worn or rubbed, some foxing and staining; 12mo (31)

Maria Edgeworth and other members of the Edgeworth family, inscriptions; thence by descent in the Butler family

[First edition, 1816:] Scott & Bowden 98Aa

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."

Walter Scott shared his publisher John Murray with Jane Austen of course, and, as with the first edition of Tales of My Landlord here, it was through Murray that the author sent Maria a first edition of Emma (see lot 96). The inscription in the first edition of the third series probably comprises Maria's half brother Lovell Edgeworth's ownership signature, with her addition below. Lovell (1775-1842) was the second child of Richard Edgeworth's second marriage to Honora Sneyd. For Lucy Jane Robinson, see lot 97.