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AINSWORTH, William Harrison.
Jack Sheppard a romance. Illustrated by George Cruikshank.
London, Richard Bentley, 1839.
Three volumes, octavo, with 27 illustrations by George Cruikshank (one from volume 1 bound in volume 2), half-title missing from volume 3; a fine copy in later red morocco, spines gilt.
First edition. The most celebrated of the prolific Ainsworth's "Newgate" novels, chronicling the career of the eponymous Sheppard (1702-24), a swashbuckling criminal who sensationally escaped from Newgate, only to be captured and hanged at Tyburn. The novel was well received, not least because of the vigorous plates by Cruikshank, better known for his work with Dickens. An elegant copy.
With the bookplate of Aldenham House, Hampshire.
Sadleir, 14.
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