Ainsworth, William Harrison

Windsor Castle. London: Henry Colburn, 1844, 8vo (237 x 150mm.) in 11 parts, portrait, engraved title and 18 plates by George Cruikshank and Tony Johannot, 3 plates by W.A. Delamotte and with numerous wood-engravings within the text by W.A. Delamotte, 8pp. publisher’s catalogue in part three, gathering of preliminaries in part 11, original wrappers, collector’s blue morocco folding case, some repairs to wrappers, some minor spotting and browning; Merry England: or, nobles and serfs. London: Tinsley Brothers, 1874, 8vo (190 x 122mm.), 3 volumes, first edition, half-titles, 16pp. publisher’s catalogues at end of volumes two and three, original green cloth lettered in gilt on spine (“Merrie England”) and with design in black on covers, [Wolff 59], several hinges splitting, some browning; Beatrice Tyldesley. London: Tinsley Brothers, 1878, 8vo (189 x 127mm.), 3 volumes, first edition, half-titles, original brown fine-ribbed cloth blocked in black and gilt, [Sadleir 2; Wolff 37], some wear to binding; Cardinal Pole: or, the days of Philip and Mary. London: Chapman and Hall, 1863, 8vo (197 x 124mm.), original brown dot-and-line-grain cloth, spines gilt, [Sadleir 4; Wolff 40], a fine copy (20)

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogues, where 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Ainsworth’s Windsor Castle was first published, in book form, in 1843. The present issue in parts is noted as a ‘new edition’ on the title-page included within part 11. The binding for the first book edition of Merry England is thought to be in a first state with Merrie England present on the spines.