Jefferys Taylor — Ralph Richards, the Miser

London, Printed for Baldwin, Cradock and Joy , 1821. First edition. Leather. A very scarce first edition of this early title from Jefferys Taylor, which follows the eponymous miser Ralph Richards as he searches for hidden wealth. The first edition of this rare title from English writer and engraver, Jefferys Taylor. Rebacked in quarter red roan, with marbled paper covered boards. Lacking endpapers and blanks. No half title, as issued. With the engraved frontispiece, reinforced to the front hinge. The second book to follow Harry's Holiday, this novel seems to be more appropriate for the more juvenile reader, chronicling the Scrooge-like Ralph Richards as he locates various pieces of hidden treasure.Taylor, who was educated under his father as an engraver, eventually profited from the invention of a machine for engraving parallel lines. He is still however chiefly remembered for his children's works, with Harry's Holiday published through several editions and now perceived as a precursor to William Golding's Lord of the Flies, a title popularly assigned in schools today. Rebacked in quarter red roan, with marbled paper covered boards. Externally, Engraved frontispiece reinforced to the front hinge, otherwise firmly bound. Pages are generally bright and clean, with mild toning to the preliminaries and occasional light spotting. Very Good . Ill.: None. Very Good .