LEWIS, Mathew Gregory. Romantic Tales. (FIRST EDITION - 1808 - 4 VOLUMES)

AUTHOR: LEWIS, Mathew Gregory

TITLE: Romantic Tales.

PUBLISHER: London: by D. N. Shury for Longman, Hurst, Rees, & Orme, 1808.

DESCRIPTION: FIRST EDITION. 4 vols., 6-7/8" x 4-1/4", complete with all the half-titles. Bound in contemporary full speckled calf, expertly rebacked, gilt decorated spines, two gilt lettered black morocco spine labels.

CONDITION: Head and foot of spines fine, inner and outer hinges fine, some foxing to the beginning of vol. 4 otherwise largely clean and bright throughout.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: "Lewis's Gothic sampler contains examples of oriental, Germanic, medieval and Monastic Gothicism in both the terrific and horrific modes. Robert D. Spector observes that although these tales are pure Gothic, Lewis 'had toned down the ghastly, supernatural elements which had made The Monk a sensational, though infamous, success.' Yet, Lewis's fondness for an ugly macabre is still very clearly in evidence." Frederick Frank - The First Gothics.