1837

The six numbers are each unbound and in their original wraps. They are placed together in a worn purpose-built green cloth Solander box, with 'Bentley's Miscellany Jan-June 1837' in gilt on spine and front. In fair overall condition, worn and aged, with nos.4-6 not as well preserved as the first three numbers, having some loss to the wraps, particularly at the spines. No.2 has '2' in light ink at the head of the front wrap; No.4 has one signature (pp.331-334) loose; and No.6 has slight staining at the foot of the front wrap.

Olive's Letter: 3pp., 4to. Bifolium. Addressed, with postmark, on reverse of second leaf to 'H. J. Mant Esq | 2 Wood St | Queen Square | Bath'. The letter is without place or date. Olive has written the letter on behalf of the Bath attorneys Mant & Bruce (he states at the conclusion that 'Mr Bruce requested me to write to save him the trouble'), who are acting for an interested party (Capper?).

8vo, 16 pp Disbound. Text clear and complete. Fair, on aged paper, with the final page a little discoloured. Ownership inscriptions of 'Charles Hall Hemphill' and 'James | May 1837'. A significant work: a milestone in the history of copyright law. According to the eleventh edition of the Encyclopaedia Britannica, this speech introducing Talfourd's Copyright Bill 'was considered the most telling made in the House during that session'. No copy listed on COPAC, and WorldCat lists three copies (all foreign).