The Spy, A Tale of the Neutral Ground

1831, the first single volume edition with a new introduction by J F Cooper

Author

Publisher

Printing Details

First edition thus (first single volume edition, revised, corrected and with new introduction by the author). Hardback, bound in half-leather with three raised bands, gilt decoration and contrasting title label in red leather, and marbled paper covered boards. 17 × 10.5cm, xi + 410pp, with frontispiece, engraved title and printed title.

Not signed as such but with the ownership stamp and label to the printed title page of Thomas Kitchingman Hutchinson Staveley of Old Sleningford Hall in North Yorkshire.

A historical adventure reminiscent of Sir Walter Scott’s Waverley romances, Cooper’s novel centers on Harvey Birch, a common man suspected of being a spy for the British.

Condition

This copy is in very good condition for age. There is some light rubbing to the leather and boards. The printed title page is started to loosen but remains attached. The inner binding is sound but with a little straining in places, and the pages are clean with occasional light spotted foxing, though the frontis and engraved title have some tanning.