History of the Bastille Captives Davenport 1839 London Tegg Steel Marble Leather For Sale

This is the 1839 London first edition of R.A. Davenport\'s \"History of the Bastile and of Its Principal Captives,\" published by Thomas Tegg at 73 Cheapside and printed by Bradbury and Evans of Whitefriars, one of the most important Victorian-era printing houses, later famous as Dickens\'s publisher. The frontispiece is a fine steel engraving of the Siege of the Bastille by the engraver J.C. Armytage, published the same year.

The binding is a handsome half-leather over marbled boards with raised gilt-tooled spine bands, typical of quality English trade binding of the period. Marbled page edges front and back. The book itself covers the history of the Bastille from its origins as a state prison through the French Revolution, with detailed accounts of its most notable prisoners, including political dissidents, writers, and victims of the lettres de cachet system. Davenport was a professional writer and biographer who contributed to several major reference works of the era. The preface is written with real wit, the author joking self-deprecatingly that his ambitions exceeded what a single volume could contain. Approximately 8 inches tall, 5.5 inches wide, about 1.5 inches thick.

Please look at photos closely for condition. Packed and shipped with care from a smoke-free home. Check out my shop for hundreds of high-quality vintage objects, quality clothing, hand made items, and antique books. Combined discounted shipping always available. Questions welcome... I love to meet my customers! Alexandra, AKA Delicious Alex 📚 📦 💌