PBA Galleries

(8vo), contemporary red morocco, elaborately gilt decorated, a.e.g.  First Edition, first issue with the word “beheld” misspelled as “behled” on page 126.

An interesting association copy of the first title in Tennyson's historical trilogy (Harold and Becket were the two subsequent titles): on the front free paste-down is the book plate of Sir Henry Irving, who produced and performed in the first production of Queen Mary at his Lyceum Theatre in April 1876. On the half-title is Tennyson’s bold signature “A. Tennyson,” below which in Ellen Terry's hand is “From her loving / Ellen Terry,” and below that in Irving’s hand is “Her old friend / Henry Irving.” Though it is difficult to ascertain with certainty what took place here, it is probable that this was given by Tennyson to Irving, who later gave it, together with close friend Ellen Terry, to another unidentified female friend.