Deciphered from Pepys's shorthand diaries by Rev. John Smith and edited by Richard, Lord Braybrooke. 2 volumes. [2], xlii, 498, [2], xlix; [4], 348, [2], viii, [3]-311 pp. 13 engraved plates, including one double-page. (4to) 30x23 cm. (11¾x9"), period full diced calf, rebacked with modern calf, spines tooled in gilt & blind, morocco lettering pieces, in custom cloth slipcase. First Edition.
Handsome set of the key historical record of Restoration London, which remained unprinted for more than 150 years after its original composition. The text was painstakingly deciphered from Pepys's shorthand by Smith, a penniless student, who did not realise that the manual for the system, Thomas Shelton's Tutor to Tachygraphy (1642), was easily accessible in his own college library. Like all 19th-century editions, this first printing censors the frankest of Pepys's confessions. Complete with the half-titles, though the ad pages are not present. With the bookplates of John Waldie (1781-1862) who was the administrator of Hendersyde Park at Kelso, Roxburghshire, Scotland. He is best remembered today for his extensive journals recording the European theatre.
Condition:
Vol. II with four horizontal bands of darkening to front cover with some minor rubbing there as well, possibly from former ribbon or leather pull-tab withing slipcase; offset from the plates to facing pages, in some instances fairly heavy including to the title-pages; foxing to the last several pages of Vol. II, still a near fine set, quite handsome.