Hints Towards Forming The Character of a Young Princess. Hannah More. London, for T. Cadell and W. Davies, 1819. 2 Vols., Fifth Edition. Presentation copy “From the author with her kind regards” on the title page. Finely Bound.
There is also an inscription on the opposing page in pencil “Garrick called her ‘The Tenth Muse’- and Horace Walpole styled her his ‘Holy Hannah.’ Dr. Johnson says of Mrs. Carter- Miss Hannah More and Miss Fanny Burney: ‘Three such women are not to be found.”
An interesting inscription linking the popular women writers of the time and giving context of their admiration by other notable figures of the time, like Horace Walpole. This is especially interesting, as Rebecca Romney has just released her book “Jane Austen’s Bookshelf” sharing about these women and their impact on Austen and her writing.
Two volume set in near fine condition with some rubbing to the edges and corners. Finely bound in decorative green calf binding with gold gilt. Stunning marble endpapers and clean internally. On the second volume, the title on the spine is lifted and the ‘Vol II.’ heading is absent, you can still see the impression in the green binding. Overall, a wonderful set and very rare to find inscribed Hannah More, no others currently on the market- the only record we see of signed copies is on Christie’s, sold at auction over 30 years ago.