[Walpole, Horace]. Cary [Carey], Robert

Memoirs of the Life of Robert Cary, Baron of Leppington, and Earl of Monmouth. Written by Himself, and now Published from an Original Manuscript in the Custody of John [Boyle] Earl of Corke and Orrery. With some Explanatory Notes.

London: Printed by J. Hughs for R. and J. Dodsley, 1759. First Edition. Horace Walpole’s copy with his armorial bookplate. In the first sentence of his preface, Boyle credits Walpole with giving him the impetus for publishing Carey’s long-unpublished manuscript memoirs. Walpole likewise notes Carey’s manuscript memoirs (and Boyle’s possession thereof) in his Catalogue of the Royal and Noble Authors of England, wherein the 1758 first edition laments it is a “great pity [the manuscript] is not communicated to the public”, but notes in the 1759 second edition that by “[Boyle’s] favour an edition of it is now preparing for the press.” An important association copy given Walpole’s public urging and subsequent release by Boyle.

8vo. [4], xxxiv, 200pp., [5]. ESTC T144857. Good in contemporary calf with the additional armorial bookplate of notable antiquary James Heywood Markland on the pastedown, spine label absent, boards worn, front joint cracked but sound. Item #231

Price: $525.00