STERNE, L. TRISTRAM SHANDY. 1767, 5 VOLS

8vo, 9 volumes, FIRST EDITION, signed by the author as usual on B1 of volumes 5, 7 and 9, half-titles as called for, engraved plate by Ravanet after Hogarth at beginning of volume 3, marbled leaf inserted between L4 and L5 of same volume, with the initial blank in volume 5, volume 7 in first state with errata on verso of title, variant (b) setting for Dedication in volume 9, contemporary sprinkled calf, spines in six compartments, numbered and lettered in gilt, red morocco labels, red speckled edges, upper cover of first volume detached with previous neat repairs to spine, slight cracking to some joints, minor worming to lower margin of second volume (not affecting text), offsetting to endpapers, further slight wear to edges of binding

The Hon. Lionel Damer; R.H. Isham, armorial bookplates; Hobart F. Cole, later bookplate The American collector Ralph Heyward Isham (1890--1955) is most famous for his reassembling of James Boswell's papers, following his acquisition of archives from the 6th Baron Talbot de Malahide, at Malahide Castle near Dublin, and also from other locations such as Fettercairn House in Scotland. He sold most of the collection to Yale in 1949 for $450,000

Rothschild II, 1970; Ashley V, p.204

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing where 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."

First edition in a contemporary binding of perhaps the most playfully experimental novel in the English language. "...L--d! said my mother, what is all this story about?- A COCK and a BULL, said Yorick - And one of the best of its kind, I ever heard."