The Monk by Matthew Gregory Lewis, First Edition (5 results)

Hard Cover. Condition: As New. Dust Jacket Condition: As New. Tute, George (illustrator). First Thus. An As New unmarked copy in black cloth boards with Cockerell marbled sides. 312 pages. Wood engravings by George Tute. The Monk is a Gothic novel , published in 1796 in three volumes. Written early in Lewis's career, it was published before he turned twenty, and he withheld his name from the first edition. It tells the story of a virtuous monk, Ambrosio, who gives into his lustful urges, setting off a chain of events that leave him damned. It is a prime example of the type of Gothic that specializes in horror. Upon publication, the novel proved scandalous. Readers were shocked by its sexually explicit content, and themes of rape and incest, leading it to become arguably the most controversial Gothic novel of the 18th century. There was public outcry, but the novel was hugely popular. L Size: 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.

Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. 1st Edition. 2nd ed. [4], 251, [1]p. Original paper-covered boards, worn, with spine strip lacking. Front board, endpaper and first two leaves detached. Abbreviated from the first edition published earlier in the same year which contained 60 tales instead of the 32 here. Imitations, translations, etc., in verse, including contributions by Scott and others.

Half-Leather. Condition: Very Good. First Edition. TWO VOLUMES COMPLETE. With engraved portrait frontispiece of Lewis in volume one. Basically an autobiography by the author of "The Monk" & "Castle Spectre", which also includes many previously unpublished verses (miscellaneous poems), supplementary pieces in prose, plus poetic translations by Lewis. Volume two also includes a list of works published by Lewis, anecdotes, article on the death of Lewis, plus his Will. Bound in half-leather & marbled boards, gilt-lettered leather labels to spines, gilt design in compartments to spines, raised bands, marbled endpapers, all edges marbled. Covers moderately rubbed, spines chipped with small loss to leather labels, light foxing, otherwise overall a very nice clean tight solid leatherbound set. 392pp + 388pp. Scarce. SB-11.

Early 20th century printing of the author's classic gothic novel. Octavo, three volumes in the original publisher's cloth decorated in gilt, illustrated with etchings by R.C. Armour, engraved frontispiece to each volume. In near fine condition. A very attractive example of one of the most important Gothic novels of its time. A quintessential example of Gothic literature, Matthew Gregory Lewis published The Monk in 1796 when he was only nineteen years of age. Despite its rapid composition, completed in as little as ten weeks according to some accounts, the novel showcases Lewis's prodigious talent and literary ambition. Its labyrinthine and scandalous plot, replete with elements of horror and the supernatural, quickly established The Monk as a cornerstone of Gothic fiction. The work remains a seminal work in the Gothic genre, revered for its dark and atmospheric storytelling and its influence on subsequent generations of writers and artists.

12mo, two volumes: [i-iii] iv-v [vi-viii] [9] 10-244; [1-3] 4-239 [240: blank], inserted frontispiece, publisher's boards, printed paper labels affixed to spine panels, all edges untrimmed. First printing of this edition. Shoemaker, American imprints 1820-1829, 9261. Boards worn and chipped, text paper tanned. Rare in the original boards. (#172171).