Richardson, Samuel.

two to Rev. Samuel Lobb and one to his son William ("Billy") Lobb, writing with great affection to a close friend, including his gratitude at "the little cheerful service you put it into my Power so kindly to do you" in asking him to be Godfather to Lobb's infant son Joseph, and other family matters, also mentioning Pamela, with an extended justification of the morality of Clarissa, and his proposed publication of an anthology of extracts from his three novels, published in 1755 as A collection of the Moral and Instructive Sentiments, which he reluctantly accepts will include a frontispiece portrait ("...I should not have the Assurance to give it, had I not many Applications for one of a certain Metzotinto Print, that was done by Command of a great Man; and which I have never permitted to be sold. I am not fond of being hangd up in Effigy..."), in total 6 pages, 4to and 8vo, integral address leaves, London, 24 May 1743 to 1 July 1754, repairs to tears at folds and seals, spotting, remains of guards

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"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.
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Unpublished letters on friendship and literature. Samuel Lobb (d.1761), was vicar of Hungerford Farleigh, six miles from Bath, and his close friendship with Richardson is clear from the tone of these letters. As well as being Godfather to Lobb's younger son, the novelist also engaged in a correspondence with his elder son Billy from 1746 (when the boy was about 10) onwards. In his letter to the boy included here, dated 1 November 1750, Richardson provides a fascinating justification of the morality of his treatment of characters in his masterpiece, Clarissa. Of the rakish Lovelace he writes:

"...All the poison he sheds, is antidoted by Belford. And those who will attend to his Remorse and Punishment, it is hoped will never be hurt by his example. Was ever remorse stronger than his; or more expiated upon in the Piece? ... He that will be ready to imitate him, must have a very bad Nature; which would have broken out, and shew'd itself, in as bad a Way, had the History of Clarissa never appeared..."