BABBAGE, C. PASSAGES FROM THE LIFE OF A PHILOSOPHER, LONDON, 1864, INSCRIBED, MOROCCO

FIRST EDITION, 8vo (218 x 134mm.), wood-engraved frontispiece of Difference Engine No. 1, PRESENTATION COPY INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR TO EMPRESS EUGENIE ON FRONT ENDPAPER ("To her Majesty | Eugenie | Empress of the French | most respectfully presented | by the author"), near identical autograph presentation on final endpaper, SPECIAL ROYAL PRESENTATION BINDING BY RIVIERE, with an all-over gilt strapwork design incorporating various leafy and floral tools, circles and dots, enclosing Empress Eugénie's coat of arms with eagle at the centre, all edges gilt, silk endleaves, inner dentelles, modern folding cloth box, some minor spotting

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."