Trollope, Anthony | Ralph the Heir, Sadleir's copy

Property from an Important American Collection

Trollope, Anthony

Ralph the Heir. London: Hurst and Blackett, 1871

3 volumes, 8vo. Half-titles, publisher's advertisements at end of volume III, blindstamp of W.H. Smith to ffep of volume I and II. Publisher's orange brown cloth, blocked in black band design to covers, spine black and gilt; light wear to joints, volume I a little cocked, edges a little frayed and bumped. Collector's morocco clamshell box.

First edition, from the library of the Trollope bibliographer, Michael Sadleir.

Trollope ran for parliament in 1868, standing as the Liberal candidate for Beverley in Yorkshire. Beverley had a history of corruption in relation to election campaigns, with a significant proportion of the populace willing to sell their votes. Trollope bemoaned the ensuing campaign as "the most wretched fortnight of my manhood." Trollope lost, and an investigation uncovered extensive corruption in the seat. The election in Ralph the Heir is the outcome of Trollope's experiences, featuring the thinly veiled Percycross as Beverley.

Michael Sadleir's 1925 bibliography remains the principle guide to the works of Anthony Trollope.

REFERENCE:

Sadleir 37

PROVENANCE:

Michael Sadleir (bookplate)