[Barham, Richard Harris]

8vo (205 x 128mm.), 3 volumes, first edition, [first]-third series, engraved title-pages by C. Cook and I.S. Gwilt, 17 plates by Cruickshank, Leech and others, 2 portraits, half-titles, volume 1 with p.236 blank and slip inserted, 4 pages of publisher's advertisements at the end of volume 2, publisher's brown ribbed cloth, covers stamped in blind and lettered in gilt (series 1 Sadleir's b binding, series 2-3 Sadleir's c binding),  yellow endpapers, in modern red morocco pull-off cases, pencil cartoon in lower blank half of p.222 volume 1, light browning and occasional spotting in all volumes, volume 1 recased, all volumes with some wear to hinges

Jemima Perry, inscription dated February 1844 on front free endpaper, second series; John F. Talmage, bookplate; Leroy Arthur Sugarman, bookplate; Douglas C. Ewing, bookplate

Cohn 50; Sadleir 156c, 156e and 156f

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, 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."

First edition of all three series. The Ingoldsby Legends were enormously successful, going through three series in volume publication between 1840 and 1847; the work remained in print throughout the nineteenth century, with reprints ilustrated by artists such as Tenniel, Cruikshank and Rackham.