8vo. In three volumes. [6], 337, [1]; [4], 407, [1]; [4], 399pp, [1]. With half-titles. Contemporary half-calf, recently rebacked and recornered, contrasting black calf lettering-pieces. Rubbed. Scattered spotting. Bookplate of army officer and viceroy of India Archibald Percival Wavell, first Earl Wavell (1883-1950) to FEP of Vol. I.

The first edition of Susan Edmonstone Ferrier's (1782-1854) third published novel, a moralising and didactic work divorced from the satirical tone of her earlier efforts. The book is dedicated to Walter Scott (1771-1832), then in his dotage, with whom Ferrier had become close. It was Scott who had persuaded Ferrier to abandon her publisher William Blackwood - who had secured the rights to her first book for only £150 - and negotiate publication by Robert Cadell at the greatly enhanced fee of £1,700.