Adventures of Philip on his Way Through the World (in 3 vols.)

London: Smith, Elder & Co, 1857. First edition. Original pebbled publisher's cloth binding stamped in gilt and blind. Yellow endpapers. Measuring 195 x 125mm and collating complete with half title to volume I: [8], 329, [1]; [4], 304; [4], 301, [1]. A Near Fine copy, with the front hinges cracked but holding on volumes II-III and minor tanning and foxing to preliminary and terminal leaves of the same. Occasional instances of rough opening causing chips or closed tears at margins not affecting text. Overall a clean and pleasing example.

"The last completed novel of William Makepeace Thackeray, The Adventures of Philip tells the story of (truncated) Philip Firmin, a blustering but good hearted young man. When his mother dies, Philip becomes heir to a fortune but is estranged from his father, who proceeds to waste his son's inheritance on fraudulent speculation" (University of Michigan). The loss of his money leads to his dashed ambitions in marriage, and his resulting rage costs him his career as a journalist. Only the discovery of a wealthy relation's lost will causes a glimmer of hope at the novel's end. (Inventory #: 5507)