Maria Edgeworth — Patronage

London, R. Hunter, 1815 . Leather. The complete four volume third edition of Maria Edgeworth's novel exploring the role of patronage in English society, in a lovely half crushed morocco binding. The scarce third edition of this work, published the year after the first.Anglo-Irish writer Maria Edgeworth's 'Patronage' is the longest of her novels, exploring the role of patronage throughout the various strata of English society in a series of vignettes and passages of dialogue. Much like her contemporary Jane Austen, Edgeworth was praised for her acute social and moral observations.With half titles to volumes III and IV only.With the contemporary inscription 'Thompson' to the head of each title page.A beautifully bound copy of an early edition of this Edgeworth novel. Rebound in half crushed morocco, with gilt detailing to back strip, marbled paper boards, and endpapers renewed. Externally, fine. Internally, firmly bound. Inscription to head of each title page. Pages bright, with scattered instances of light spotting. Near Fine . Ill.: None. Near Fine .