1879 Thackeray Pendennis Vol 1 Illustrated, Half-Bound Leather, Smith Elder
 
Author
 
William Makepeace Thackeray (1811 - 1863)
A master of Victorian satire, Thackeray was one of the most celebrated novelists of his era, best known for Vanity Fair. His writing blends humour and realism, exploring the moral complexities of 19th-century British society. The History of Pendennis is a semi-autobiographical novel chronicling the growth and moral development of Arthur Pendennis, offering a vivid portrayal of class, ambition, and literary life in early Victorian England.
 
Book
 
Title: The History of Pendennis: His Fortunes and Misfortunes, His Friends and His Greatest Enemy
Author: William Makepeace Thackeray
Series: The Works of William Makepeace Thackeray (in 24 volumes) – this is Volume Three in the series
Volume Details: Originally issued in two volumes – this listing is for Volume One only
Illustrations: Numerous in-text illustrations by the author
Edition & Publication: 1879, Smith, Elder, & Co., 15 Waterloo Place, London. Printed by Spottiswoode & Co., New-Street Square, London.
Binding & Format: Finely bound in half red leather with marbled paper boards, gilt tooling and titles over coloured panels, five raised bands on the spine. Marbled pastedowns, endpapers, and all page edges replicate the same rich design.
Pagination: xiv + 427 pages
Dimensions & Weight: Approximately 19.4 × 13.7 × 3 cm; weight 619g
 
Exterior Condition
 
Half-bound in red leather over the spine, board edges, and corners
Marbled paper on boards in vibrant hues of red, blue, black, white, and mustard
Marbled patterned endpapers and all edges marbled
Panelled spine with five raised bands, gilt decorations, and gilt titles
Binding robust and intact with light age wear including:
Minor rubbing to corners and edges
Small patches of wear to boards and spine
A few light scratches and mild discolouration to spine
Overall, a handsome and well-preserved binding with a rich patina
 
Interior Condition
 
Pages lightly and evenly tanned, clean and crisp overall
Occasional faint mark, not affecting text or illustrations
Minimal creasing; pages remain flat and bright
No pen or pencil inscriptions
No tears or losses
Very light crack between front endpaper and front free endpaper (minor, structurally sound)
All pages secure; text block tightly bound
Complete with xiv + 427 pages
 
Historical Context
 
The History of Pendennis was first published in 1848–1850 and remains one of Thackeray’s most insightful explorations of English life. It follows Arthur Pendennis’s journey from youth to maturity, capturing both the aspirations and moral trials of a gentleman navigating society. The 1879 Smith, Elder & Co. edition forms part of the beautifully bound 24-volume collected works of Thackeray, prized for its illustrations by the author and fine 19th-century craftsmanship. This listing is for Volume One only of the two-volume novel.