PBA Galleries

3 volumes in 2. 128; 122; 328; [4 pp. ads] pp. (12mo) 16.4x9.8 cm (6½x3¾"), contemporary tree calf, red morocco labels, gilt rules and lettering. One of two American editions of the first two volumes, priority not established; first American edition of the final volume.

A gothic thriller by the Blue stocking poet, better known as the “Bristol Milkmaid,” based on the popular French tale of the man in the iron mask. Yearsley (1753-1806) notes in her preface that she intentionally left the novel incomplete and implies that if the public demands it of her she will finish her tale; thus “Finis” is found at the end of vol. 2 in both the London and the American editions. A demand did exist, and vols 3 & 4 followed shortly the same year in London. The completion of the American edition was published in one volume in 1796 by Thomas Bradford, who had not been involved in either of the earlier Philadelphia editions. Bradford's final volume is rare, as indicated by the small number of copies recorded in ESTC.