The Father's Revenge. A Tragedy

Howard, Frederick, The [Fifth] Earl of Carlisle

Published by London H. Hughs 1783, 1783

About this Item

First edition. Comprising: portrait frontispiece, title page, Dramatis Personae, then 81 pages. A copy with impressive Howard Family provenance, in the original fine calf Etruscan style binding, gorgeously and elaborately decorated, with "Castle Howard" in gilt to the bottom of the spine, the Earl of Carlisle's bookplate to the front pastedown, an inscription by the Eighth Earl of Carlisle, "Wm G Howard Castle Howard Sep 1825" to the first blank, with his stamped "W. G. Howard" lion monogram to the verso of the front endpaper opposite, and a further inscription above that: "given to Aurea Fredeswyde Howard dr of George 9th E. of Carlisle", the latter inscription probably in Aurea's rather than George Howard's hand, though clearly indicating that the book was once the 9th Earl's property. The September 1825 date noted by W. G. Howard is also significant as that was the time of Frederick Howard's death, indicating that this was the author's own copy. There are some minor alterations and annotations to the text in an unknown hand. The book is firmly bound, externally the boards are quite stained and rubbed, with the corners bumped and the spine strip has loss to the ends and is becoming fragile with heavy wear and splits at the hinges. The text block is a little toned and marked, with a few creased corners. Howard's literary endeavours were later lampooned by his ungrateful former ward, Lord Byron, but this his first play was well regarded at the time and merited several later editions. Although well represented in institutional holdings it is quite uncommon in commerce, and the combination of fine binding and excellent provenance make it likely to be one of the best surviving examples. Seller Inventory # 6703

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Father's Revenge. A Tragedy

Publisher: London H. Hughs 1783

Publication Date: 1783

Signed: Signed by Author(s)

Edition: 1st Edition