Blackmore, R.D.

8vo (188 x 122mm.), 3 volumes, first edition, presentation copy from Blackmore to Mortimer Collins with inscription in the hand of the recipient ("Mortimer Collins | (from R.D. Blackmore) | Knowl Hill Berks | April 1869"), with later 2pp. autograph letter signed by Blackmore to his publisher Edward Marston, 16pp. advertisements at the end of volume 3 dated March 1869, original blue watered cloth lettered in gilt on spines (Carter's A binding), folders and morocco-backed slipcases, lacking preliminary blank to volume 1, some browning to volume 1 and to endpapers to volumes 2 and 3, recased preserving original backstrips, corners slightly bumped or rubbed, edges and backstrips slightly darkened

Mortimer Collins, ownership inscriptions; F. Percy Cotton, ownership signatures and bookplates; American Art Association, lot 19, 7 January 1931; E.E. Taylor, bookplates

Sadleir 227; John Carter, More Binding Variants, p.1

Condition is described in the main body of cataloguing, when appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
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Presentation copy in cloth of R.D. Blackmore's classic and hugely popular romance, inspired by the legends of North Devon and Somerset associated with Exmoor. The book was intitially published to little acclaim in this three-volume edition, but the following year a one-volume edition was issued which quickly sold out, ensuring the author's subsequent success. The novel, which is notable for its use of local dialect and sometimes archaic language, and which has been the basis for seven film versions and three BBC adaptations, has been continuously in print since publication.

The writer Mortimer Collins (1827-1876), who himelf wrote several novels, was one of Blackmore's few close friends, both having been born and bred in Devon. The autograph letter from Blackmore to his publisher, "Dear Mr Marston" is dated 14 March 1895 and refers to Lorna Doone and potential scenes of specific action suitable for illustration: "Slain by the Doones"... I have made these villains kill him not in the woods, as accg. to tradition, but on the banks of the Badgworthy stream... perhaps a good drawing might be made of the body lying by the waters... and his daughter stealing up in doubt, tired with the long search for him... Cetainly I think it wd be better to use any of the sketches in L.D. - Only, let us not exaggerate the scenery too much, but have it more like the photographs; furzy, rocky, barren, boggy but not quite Alpine".