The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman.

STERNE, Laurence.

Item Number: 125338

London: Various Imprints, 1760-67.

First editions of all nine volumes of one of the greatest comic novels in the English language, signed by Laurence Sterne in volumes V, VII, and IX as called for. Small octavo, nine volumes bound in full contemporary speckled calf with morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, marbled endpapers, all edged gilt. Signed by the author at the head of the opening chapters of volumes V, VII, and IX. First volume with black page, volume III with engraved frontispiece, marbled leaf present in volume IV, half-titles present in volumes IV, V, VI, and IX. In near fine condition. Small bookplates to the pastedown of each volume. Each volume housed in a custom folding chemise case within a half morocco slipcase. A beautiful example of this landmark 18th-century English novel.

Tristram Shandy is considered by many the first modern novel and Sterne the father of stream of consciousness writing. It is perhaps the most literal example of a novel available. Sterne was an Anglican Vicar who was influenced by Pope, Locke, Swift and Cervantes. His narrative devices and styles have indelibly influenced many modern and postmodern authors: James Joyce, Virginia Woolf, Milan Kundera, Salmon Rushdie among others. "[Sterne] remains, as the author of Tristram Shandy, a delineator of the comedy of human life before whom only three or four humorous writers, in any tongue or of any age, can justly claim precedence… he deserves many of the honors that have been paid to Pope and Swift" (DNB). Tristram Shandy's huge popular success made Sterne the toast of the London literary world. When some volumes were pirated, Sterne began signing some genuine editions of his work. This set is signed by Sterne at the head of the opening chapter