Life, Writings and Correspondence of George Borrow (1899, first edition, signed copies)
Both from the library of Elizabeth von Arnim with her signature and ex libris plate
Author
Publisher
Printing Details
First edition. Two volumes (complete). Hardback, bound in green cloth with gilt titling to spine and upper board. Each 23 × 14.5cm. Vol 1: xviii + 402pp, 6pp ads. Vol 2: vii + 406pp, 4pp ads. Volume 2 with the errata slip for both volumes tipped in.
These books belonged to the novelist Elizabeth von Arnim, with each volume having her signature as Mary Arnim (she was born Mary Annette Beauchamp, and married Henning August von Arnim-Schlagenthin in 1891), and also her "Elizabeth" bookplate with the motto "Chanterai ma Chanson" (I will sing my song). After her death in 1941, her extensive personal library was largely split and eventually settled into two primary locations: University of Toulon in France and The Huntington Library in America, the latter being donated by her daughter, Liebet. As such, copies from her library are rarely offered for sale.
The first authoritative biography of George Borrow, the eccentric linguist, traveller, and author of The Bible in Spain. Knapp acquired Borrow's personal papers which allowed him to provide the first definitive chronology of Borrow's "veiled years" (1825–1832), and the second volume contains a meticulous bibliography of Borrow's published works and obscure translations. The book is illustrated with maps, portraits etc, all of which are present as per the plate index, as well as an extra family pedigree tipped into volume one.
Condition
Fair to good. Both books are ex-Mudie's Library, vol 2 with their label to the upper board, volume 1 has lost the label leaving a paper residue. Vol one is bumped and rubbed with fraying to both joints and spine ends, volume two is in sharper condition. Rear hinge to both books cracked but secure, and both with light foxing, mostly to prelims. As mentioned, all plates present though one fold out plate to vol 2 is torn with taped repair to folds. The books remain in good readable condition, and are rare with this provenance.
Books are currently zero-rated for duty (as of April 2026), so the price shown is the price you pay.
Price
£150.00
