Congreve, William

Three volumes 8vo (8 1/2 x 5 1/8 in.; 218 x 134 mm). Four preliminary blank leaves, engraved initials, head- and tailpieces. Ex-dono manuscript on first blanks of volumes 1 and 2. Torn off from volume 3 but offsetting still readable. Foxing and spotting. Contemporary red morocco gilt; top of the spine of volumes 1 and 3 damaged, spine of volume 3 stained and slightly faded. 

Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough (manuscript ex-dono on volumes 1 and 2) — Earl Spencer of Althorp, Northamptonshire and Wimbledon (bookplate inscribed in ink "Wimbledon"; The Wimbledon Park Estate was sold by the 5th Earl Spencer in 1877) — Robert Offley Ashburton Crewe-Milnes, 1st Marquess of Crewe (armorial bookplate) — Sir Clive Milnes-Coates (lord Crewe's son-in-law, d. 1971; monogram booklabel) — Sir John Colville (Winston Churchill's private secretary, d. 1987). acquisition: Bernard Quaritch, 1983; Maggs Bros. (vol. 3) 

First edition of Congreve's collected works, large-paper copy

Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough's copy, with autograph ex-dono "December 17. given me by Mr. Congreve. S. Marlborough." 

William Congreve is know to have been the long time lover of Henrietta Godolphin, 2nd Duchess of Marlborough, Sarah's daughter. A tasty association copy.