The Amber Witch. [Bound With: Journal of a Residence in Norway].

SCHWEIDLER, Mary, [and Samuel Laing].

London: John Murray. [Residence in Norway published by Longman, Brown, Green and Longmans]. 1844. First edition of The Amber Witch (first English translation by Lady Duff Gordon, a virtually simultaneous but less popularly approved translation by E.A. Friedlander was published in the same year). Octavo. Two volumes bound in one, contemporary half burgundy calf over marbled boards, brown title label. Scuffing and edgewear to extremities, rubbing to spine ends, nevertheless strong and handsome. All edges marbled, marbled endpapers. Internally clean and bright. Originally written as a literary hoax by Wilhelm Meinhold (purporting to be a manuscript found in a church written by a 17th century fire and brimstone preacher), it obviously morphed swiftly into a runaway gothic success... By modern standards it is brain stunningly purple and melodramatic; but historical manuscripts obviously aren't what they used to be as "The Amber Witch" spawned a number of editions (including one illustrated by Burne Jones), an opera of dubious quality, and scattered fragments of its story across the landscape of 19th century shockers. Item #43426

Price: £125.00