STERNE, Laurence

Letters from Yorick to Eliza and Letters from Eliza to Yorick [FIRST EDITION]

London: Printed for W. Johnston, 1773/1775. First Edition. Hardcover. 2 works bound in one volume, 8vo (156 x 95 mm). Half-title in second work. Contemporary calf, spine gilt, gilt-ruled on sides; Custom cloth folding case.

A rare first edition collection of the scandalous letters written by "Yorick" (Sterne's pseudonym) to Mrs. Elisabeth "Eliza" Draper early in 1767 shortly before she sailed from England to rejoin her husband in India. "On Sterne's death in 1768, his wife and daughter threatened to publish Mrs. Draper's letters unless she would pay for them, though she had already sent them a present of 600 rupees. On her return to England in 1774 she authorized the publication of the letters... but her letters to Sterne were never published. The Letters from Eliza to Yorick published in 1775 [second work here] were forgeries." (Rothschild 1973 and 1979)

Spine ends and corners a little worn; joints a little rubbed. Title-page with small blank piece cut from upper fore-corner; ink publication date in Arabic numerals written below imprint; occasional soiling or pale spotting.

Provenance: From the library of noted book collector William A. Strutz. Very good. Item #7238

Price: $1,200.00