Uncle Silas:

Le Fanu (J.S[heridan].)

Published by Richard Bentley, 1865

About this Item

First editions, mixed issues: vol.III first issue (with no edition statement); vol.I & II second issues (stating 'second edition'). 3 vol., 8vo. Half-titles, publisher's device to title-pages. Uniformly bound in late 19th century calf-backed cloth, spine compartments within raised bands with gilt tooling, leather spine labels lettered in gilt. "Uncle Fanu is perhaps Le Fanu's most celebrated work, superior in atmosphere and emotional power. Draped in black, it is a psychological thriller with a highly concentrated small cast." Marshall B. Tymn, Horror Literature. Uncle Silas was Le Fanu's first success in England, derived from an earlier short story he published in an Irish journal which he also edited. It has probably remained his best known novel ever since, reminiscent in style of the more successful literary forays of Wilkie Collins. The edition was reissued twice by publishers Bentley at the author's request, using the sheets remaining from the first print-run, prior to being published in a one-volume edition. The self-styled 'second edition' is therefore in fact a 'second issue', which was followed by a third issue stating 'third edition'. Save for the addition of the words 'Second Edition' and '[The right of Translation is reserved]' to the title page, it is identical to the initial issue (including the double hyphen in the sub-title). Both Wolff and Topp give the number of the 'second edition' as 500 copies, but Richard Bentley II in the List for 1865 states that the 'second edition' comprised 250 copies, which is corroborated by the apparent split of the sheets between the three issues as recorded by the publishers. The 'second edition' was published in March 1865. Some light foxing, but overall internally very good; leather spines uniformly lightened, an attractive 19th century set. Seller Inventory # 85162

Bibliographic Details

Title: Uncle Silas:

Publisher: Richard Bentley

Publication Date: 1865

Binding: Soft cover

Condition: Very Good