Sterne, Laurence (1713 - 1768) [Mr Yorick]

A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy. [The Black Sun Press]

Paris: The Black Sun Press / Editions Narcisse, 1929. First Edition, Thus. Full Gilted Leather. Limited Edition: Number 100 of 335 copies.

Contemporary full red morocco gilt, bound in the French style, the spine tooled and lettered in gilt and with raised bands, top edge gilt. Silk ribbon place-holder. Printed on arches paper in green and brown, 5 tissue-guarded plates by Polia Chentoff and additional in-text drawings. Some wear to joints at head and foot of spine, endpapers lightly toned, fine overall. 8 1/4 x 6 inches; 195 pp.

REF: Minkoff, A22-23; [Allibone, 2242 - 3; Lowndes, 2509 for Background Information]
Providence: The Julius and Theodore Cohn Library
Subjects: France: Social life and customs; 17th century: France ; 18th century: Italy; Italy: Social life and customs.

Near Fine / No Dust Jacket As Issued. Item #16459

The Black Sun Press was an English language press noted for publishing the early works of many modernist writers. One of the few classic titles done by the Crosbys. It enjoyed the greatest longevity among the several expatriate presses founded in Paris during the 1920s.

A lively travel narrative and one of the premier examples of early "stream-of-consciousness" technique. Laurence Sterne was an Irish novelist and an Anglican clergyman. He wrote the novels The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman and A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy, and also published many sermons, wrote memoirs, and was involved in local politics.

In 1762 to find a climate that would improve his weak health; Sterne was lucky to attach himself to a diplomatic party bound for Turin, while England and France were still adversaries in the Seven Years' War. Sterne was gratified by his reception in France where reports of the genius of Tristram Shandy had made him a celebrity. Aspects of this trip to France were incorporated into Sterne's second novel, presented here: A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy.

Price: $495.00