Tremaine, or The Man of Refinement, Robert Plumer Ward — 4th Edition, Signed

Tremaine, or The Man of Refinement, Robert Plumer Ward — 4th Edition, Signed

£350.00
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Tremaine, or The Man of Refinement, Robert Plumer Ward — 4th Edition, Signed

Tremaine, or The Man of Refinement, Robert Plumer Ward — 4th Edition, Signed

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£350.00

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Publication: London, Henry Colburn, 1827

Formatting: 8vo, 3 vols.

Condition Report: Very Good. The set presents attractively in its contemporary full calf, maintaining tight, secure bindings across all three volumes. While the boards exhibit some light surface scratching and minor rubbing to the extremities, these are typical of a book of this age and do not compromise the structural integrity. The spines, though showing slight fading to the gilt lettering and numbering, remain handsome with their raised bands still distinctly defined. Internally, the pages are largely sound, though there is characteristic foxing and spotting present, most notably to the frontispiece and title pages. The marbled endpapers and edges retain much of their original vibrancy, rounding out a solidly preserved, authentic set.

Catalogue Note: This fourth edition of Robert Plumer Ward's acclaimed novel is complete in three volumes. It features a finely detailed engraved frontispiece in Volume I depicting a grand country estate, setting the tone for this seminal 'silver fork' novel of aristocratic manners and philosophic reflection.

What makes this set particularly noteworthy is the contemporary handwritten inscription at the top of the first volume: "Marian Barton with the author's regards.". As the novel was initially published without Ward's name on the title page to preserve his anonymity, such early presentation copies directly from the author are uncommon on the open market and offer a tangible connection to the book's early reception. The work itself, often credited with establishing the fashionable society novel, remains a highly collectible piece of 19th-century British literature. 

Often regarded as one of the founding works of the 'silver fork' genre, Tremaine, or The Man of Refinement offers a sweeping, philosophical look into the lives of the English aristocracy. Following the disillusioned and overly fastidious protagonist, Tremaine, as he retreats from the fashionable world to a quiet country life, the novel blends romance with deep moral and religious contemplation. A massive success upon its release, the book captivated 19th-century society readers and sparked intense speculation regarding the identity of its initially anonymous author.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: Robert Plumer Ward

Book Publisher: Henry Colburn

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Fiction

Genre: Classic Fiction

Book edition:

Signed: Yes

Book Pages:

Book Publication Year: 1827

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover (Full Calf)

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: London, United Kingdom

Book Dimensions:

Book Condition Guide

We stock thousands of books in a wide range of conditions. To make things clear and to help you know exactly what to expect, Please refer to these condition categories to understand the condition of the book you will receive.
Condition Description
New A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage.
As New The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years.
Fine The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked.
Near Fine The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition.
Very Good The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present.
Good A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy.
Fair A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity.
Poor A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance.

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