FREDERICK MARRYAT1792-1849

FREDERICK MARRYAT

The reputation of Captain Marryat has suffered at the hands of time somewhat differently from that of many of his contemporaries. Superficially he has fared better than they, for, if little read except by boys, he is at least acknowledged as a classic, and there are few adult novel readers who could not from their own childhood gather sufficient memories to characterize in summary some of his best known books.

Nevertheless, it is arguable that the forgotten author is happier than he who is accepted but unread. A revival of interest in the books of a man not already docketed and filed in the appreciation of his age may develop a new perspective. The body of his work may be exhumed and permanently lodged in its proper niche of the catacombs of literature. More hardly shall this befall such a one as Marryat, who is “placed” already as a writer of sea stories for boys and as an instructor in adventure for young people.

Who shall deny that he is all of this? His fame as a novelist of naval escapade, of risk and makeshift among pirates and barbarians, is fame deserved. The difficulty for one concerned to reappraise his work lies in the fact that there is more to him than is here implied. He is the only writer in the tradition of Fielding and Smollett who can claim consideration on the same plane as these famous authors. That he is overtopped byTom Jonesno one will dispute, but that he ranks with and not after Smollett is a contention that permits of argument.

The first result of an attempt to classify the books of Captain Marryat is a realization that two of his finest works are—the one wholly, the other mainly—unconcerned with ships or seafarers.Japhet in Search of a Father(1836) is a picturesque tale of vagabondage andsocial escapade.The Pacha of Many Tales(1835) is an adaptation of “The Arabian Nights,” a series of narratives held together by a framework of Oriental despotism.

Japhetis partnered by two later novels—Joseph Rushbrook; or, The Poacher(1841) andValerie(1849). All three are land as opposed to sea novels, and the first two show the fertile invention of the author, his power of describing rogues and fashionable grotesques. But whereasJaphetis the best book Marryat ever wrote,The Poacheris a little weary, for it dates from the last period of the writer's life, when ill-health and money troubles were pressing hardly on a man already exhausted by a reckless youth; whileValerie, the autobiography of a French girl cast on her own resources in Paris and in London, had better have been left, as Marryat left it, a fragment cut short by sickness and by death.

The Pacha of Many Talesstands quite alone and stands proudly. Marryat's humour is in this book congenial to the modern reader, while of fantastic happening few works of fiction can show so rich a store. It is hard to understand why this admirable parody of the “Thousand and One Nights” is to-day so little read. Perhaps some enterprising publisher will extract the story of Huckaback and issue it, grotesquely illustrated. It should find its market.

The sea stories proper need little comment. They are eleven in number:

The Naval Officer; or,Frank Mildmay(1829),The King's Own(1830),Newton Forster; or,The Merchant Service(1832),Peter Simple(1834),Jacob Faithful(1834),Mr. Midshipman Easy(1836),The Pirate. The Three Cutters(1836),Poor Jack(1840),Percival Keene(1842),The Privateer's-Man(1846).

The Naval Officer; or,Frank Mildmay(1829),

The King's Own(1830),

Newton Forster; or,The Merchant Service(1832),

Peter Simple(1834),

Jacob Faithful(1834),

Mr. Midshipman Easy(1836),

The Pirate. The Three Cutters(1836),

Poor Jack(1840),

Percival Keene(1842),

The Privateer's-Man(1846).

The first of these titles is pure autobiography and, as the author himself admitted, lacks most of the essentials of fiction. The story is of the slightest and most perfunctory, the book being little more than an account of Marryat's own early adventures at sea. David Hannay, in his excellent littleLife of Marryat, remarks acutely on the peculiar meanness of the hero's character—a meanness that makes an even more repellant appearance in the last but one of the sea stories—Percival Keene. Seeing that Marryat was writing of himself and that the events in the life of Frank Mildmay must have been easily recognizable by naval contemporaries, it is remarkable that he should present his central figure so unsympathetically,unless he failed to realize the young man's shortcomings. Perhaps in part he saw his mistake, for in the five novels that followedThe Naval Officerhe offers the reader more respectable but more colourless heroes. When the time came for writingPercival Keene, either he had forgotten the warnings of twelve years before or else he was tired of erecting dummy humanity to placate the idealism of his readers.

The constructional weakness ofThe Naval OfficerMarryat took pains to correct in his succeeding books.Peter Simple,Jacob Faithfuland the rest may depend for their vitality and attraction on the excitements encountered by their heroes while voyaging the seas or fighting in the wars. Certainly the by-plots are unimportant and conventional. But the author was careful in them all to give to thecourseof the heroes' adventures a real prominence and coherence, so that we read with an anxiety to know what happens next and are not, as inThe Naval Officer, continually brought up by naval “shop” or invited to feel indignant sympathy with the members of a noble but scurvily treated service.

The PirateandThe Privateer's-Manare exciting tales of ocean brigandage, the latter having in addition an antiquarian interest, for the first portion of the story is based on the actual life-record of an old time sea-rover.Poor Jack, although told in the first person and comprisingscenes on shipboard and adventurous happenings at sea of a kind to suggest comparison withMr. Midshipman Easy, has an historical interest apart from its value as fiction, because it is an account of Greenwich Hospital, in those days a retreat for wounded seamen.

Two groups remain among the stories of Frederick Marryat.Snarleyow(1837) andThe Phantom Ship(1839) stand definitely apart from the rest of the novels. Both tell of Dutch seafaring in the old days and both introduce a strong element of the weird and the mysterious. That Marryat should in these books have come under the influence of the “terror” motive in fiction is surprising and interesting. After readingJaphetorMr. Midshipman Easyone would declare that nothing was farther from the talent of their author than an excursion into the “horrid.” And yet bothSnarleyowandThe Phantom Shipare excellent books, which rank high among Marryat's novels for liveliness and for characterization and, in addition, merit notice for their fearsomeness. Of their value as historical documents I am unqualified to speak, but it may be presumed that before writing them the author studied the lives and methods of seventeenth and eighteenth century Dutch mariners, for both books are circumstantially staged and show no desire to shirk description of contemporary fact.

Of the stories written definitely for children the best known (and rightly) isMasterman Ready(1841-1842). It was followed byThe Travels and Adventures of Monsieur Violet(1843);The Settlers in Canada(1844);The Mission; or, Scenes in Africa(1845);The Children of the New Forest(1847); andThe Little Savage(1848-1849).

Monsieur Violetis an improbable and tedious tale of Red Indians and Mormons. The rest—with the exception ofThe Children of the New Forest, which is a story of Cavaliers and Roundheads—tell in one form or another the eternal tale of young adventurers in wild countries.

Marryat loved children and knew how to tell stories that they could like and understand. This to-day isundisputed. But that he is equally a novelist for the critical sorely needs reaffirmation. His juvenile public has been more faithful to him than that of maturer years, and one can only hope that time will restore him to the affection of the adult.Masterman Readyis as fresh to-day as when, eighty years ago, it first appeared; but the freshness is due as much to Marryat as to his youthful admirers, and that same freshness is no less present in the best of his other books than it is in this children's classic. Let the modern novel reader have no fear. In taking upJaphet, orPeter Simple, orA Pacha of Many Tales, he will take up a fine book and good literature, and not merely a poker with which to rake among the ashes of his own vanished childhood.

Two books have appeared dealing with the life and work of Frederick Marryat:

LIFE AND LETTERS OF CAPTAIN MARRYAT. ByFlorence Marryat. 2 vols. London: Bentley, 1872.

Like so many loyal and affectionate biographers, Mrs. Ross Church is too casual a user of dates and too summary an adherent to chronology to allow to her book great reference value.

LIFE OF FREDERICK MARRYAT. ByDavid Hannay. London: Walter Scott. 1889.

This is an admirable little book so far as the main text is concerned. Its bibliography, however, although valuable for the list given of biographical and critical articles devoted to Marryat, as well as for facts regarding subsequent editions of Marryat's works, is very unreliable as an authority on first editions.

I.—EDITIONES PRINCIPESFICTION, ESSAYS, NAVAL TECHNICAL BOOKS

A CODE OF SIGNALS FOR THE USE OF VESSELS EMPLOYED IN THE MERCHANT SERVICE. ByCaptain Marryat, R.N. Dedicated to the Committee of the Association of Shipowners of the Port of London. London: J. M. Richardson, 23 Cornhill. 1817. 1 vol. Royal 8vo (6⅛ × 9¾). No pagination, the book consisting wholly of tabulated code. Frontispiece, folding plate, and one full-page plate in colours. Paper boards, paper label on side only, printed in black. White end-papers.

Note—I have only been able to consult the sixth edition of this book as issued revised in 1837 and a seventh edition, further revised, as issued in 1840; but that it appeared originally in the same form and over the same imprint is proved by the retention in the later edition of the author's original prefatory letter, dedicating his work to the Association of Shipowners.

SUGGESTION FOR THE ABOLITION OF THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF IMPRESSMENT IN THE NAVAL SERVICE. ByCaptain Marryat, R.N. (Quotation.) London: Printed by W. Hughes, Maiden Lane, Covent Garden. Published by J. M. Richardson, Cornhill and sold by all booksellers. 1822. 1 vol. Demy 8vo (5½ × 8¾). Pp. (iv) + 64. The half-title serves as front wrapper and bears the words “Price 2/6d.” No back wrapper, p. 64 being the outside back page of the pamphlet.

1829

THE NAVAL OFFICER: OrScenes and Adventures in the Life of Frank Mildmay.(Quotation from Don Juan.) London: Henry Colburn, New Burlington Street. 1829. 3 vols. Ex. Cr. 8vo (4⅞ × 7⅞).

Vol. I. pp. (iv) + 297 + (3). Publisher's advertisements occupy pp. (299) (300).

Vol. II. pp. (iv) + 310 + (2). Publisher's advertisements occupy pp. (311) (312).

Vol. III. pp. (iv) + 270 + (2).

Paper boards, paper label. White end-papers.

Note—This book was published on March 14, 1829.

THE KING'S OWN. By the author ofThe Naval Officer. (Quotation from Shakespeare'sPericles.) London: Henry Colburn and Richard Bentley, New Burlington Street. 1830. 3 vols. Ex. Cr. 8vo (4⅞ × 7⅞).

Vol. I. pp. (iv) + 324. Note of erratum occupies verso of half-title.

Vol. II. pp. (iv) + 325 + (1). Note of errata occupies verso of half-title.

Vol. III. pp. (iv) + 327 + (5). Note of errata occupies verso of half-title. Publishers' advertisements, paged (1), 2, 3, (4), occupy pp. (329) to (332).

Paper boards, paper label. White end-papers.

Note—This book was published on April 15, 1830.

NEWTON FORSTER: OrThe Merchant Service.By the author ofThe King's Own. “Honesty is the best policy.” London: James Cochrane and Co., 11 Waterloo Place, Pall Mall. 1832. 3 vols. Ex. Cr. 8vo (4⅞ × 7⅞).

Vol. I. pp. (iv) + 270 + (2). Publishers' advertisements occupy pp. (271) (272).

Vol. II. pp. (iv) + 295 + (1).

Vol. III. pp. (iv) + 260. Publishers' advertisements occupy pp. (253) to (260).

Paper boards, paper label. White end-papers.

Note—Although dated 1832, this book was actually published in December, 1831.

PETER SIMPLE. By the author ofNewton Forster,The King's Ownetc. London: Saunders and Otley, Conduit Street. 1834. 3 vols. Ex. Cr. 8vo (4¾ × 7⅞).

Vol. I. pp. vii + (i) + 328. No half-title.

Vol. II. pp. viii + 343 + (1). Half-title to this volume.

Vol. III. pp. viii + 380 + (4). Publishers' advertisements dated November, 1833, occupy pp. (381) to (384). No half-title. Inserted in Vol. III. should be a list of errata.

Paper boards, paper label. White end-papers.

Notes—(i) Although dated 1834, this book was actually published in December, 1833. The story ran serially in the “Metropolitan Magazine” from June, 1832, to December, 1833. Marryat edited this magazine from 1832 to 1836.

(ii) An edition of the book, illustrated by R. W. Buss, was published by Saunders and Otley, in 1837, in three volumes. Extra cr. 8vo. Dark green embossed cloth, gilt. Yellow end-papers.

JACOB FAITHFUL. By the author ofPeter Simple,The King's Ownetc. London: Saunders and Otley, Conduit Street. 1834. 3 vols. Ex. Cr. 8vo (4¾ × 7¾).

Vol. I. pp. viii + 304. Advertisement ofPeter Simpleoccupies p. (ii). No half-title.

Vol. II. pp. vii + (i) + 301 + (3). Publishers' advertisements occupy pp. (303) (304). No half-title.

Vol. III. pp. vii + (i) + 307 + (1). No half-title.

Paper boards (half cloth), paper label. White end-papers.

Notes—(i) This book was published in November or December, 1834. The story ran serially in the “Metropolitan Magazine” from September, 1833, to December, 1834.

(ii) An edition of the book, illustrated by R. W. Buss, was published by Saunders and Otley in 1837 in three volumes. Ex. cr. 8vo. Maroon embossed cloth, gilt. Yellow end-papers.

(iii) It was the intention of the publishers to bring out an illustrated edition of all Marryat's novels, one novel to appear each month, beginning on April 1, 1837; but onlyJacob FaithfulandPeter Simplewere issued, and the series was abandoned, doubtless because in that year Marryat quarrelled with Saunders and Otley and found a different publisher.

THE PACHA OF MANY TALES. By the author ofPeter Simple,Jacob Faithfuletc. London: Saunders and Otley, Conduit Street. 1835. 3 vols. Ex. Cr. 8vo (4⅞ × 7¾).

Vol. I. pp. (iv) + 308 + (4). Publishers' advertisements occupy pp. (309) to (312). Advertisement of books by the same author occupies p. (ii) facing title.

Vol. II. pp. (iv) + 300.

Vol. III. pp. (iv) + 312.

Paper boards (half cloth), paper label. White end-papers.

Note—This book was published in May, 1835. The stories appeared intermittently in the “Metropolitan Magazine” between June, 1831, and May, 1835.

THE PIRATE, AND THE THREE CUTTERS. ByCaptain Marryat, R.N. Illustrated with twenty splendid engravings from drawings by Clarkson Stanfield Esq., R.A. London: Published for the Proprietor by Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown, Green and Longman. 1836. Large Med. 8vo (5⅞ × 9⅛). Pp. (viii) + 315 + (1). The book contains twenty full-page illustrations in steel engraving, of which two—an engraved portrait frontispiece and picture title-page—precede printed title. Cream paper boards, gilt, lettered on spine in goldThe Pirate by Captn.Marryat. Yellow end-papers.

Notes—(i) Although dated 1836, this book was actually published in December, 1835.

(ii) Copies are more frequently met with in maroon cloth, blockedin gold and lettered on spineMarryats Pirate and the Three Cutters. This cloth binding (of which two styles at least are extant) is probably not so early in date as the paper-board binding described above. Definite information is impossible to obtain, but the evidence of similar illustrated books of the period (e.g., Lytton'sPilgrims of the Rhine) supports the theory here laid down.

(iii) A large paper edition, imperial 8vo (11 × 7½), was issued simultaneously, with plates printed on India paper and bound in green paper boards, half dark-green figured cloth, cream paper label, the last being lettered in gold:The Pirate by Captn.Marryat. White end-papers. Copies of the large paper edition also exist in maroon cloth, blocked in gold and blind and lettered on the spine:Marryats Pirate and the Three Cutters. As with the ordinary edition, these full cloth copies are of later issue than those in boards.

(iv) In all Longman's first editions the plates bear the following legend: 'Published Decr. 1, 1835 for the proprietor by Longman and Co., Paternoster Row.' The book was, however, never issued with aprintedtitle of that year. That the actual plates were published prior to the Longman book edition is proved by the fact that I have myself a set, both before and after “letters,” bearing the legend: 'London. Published Octr. 1835 for the proprietor by Charles Tilt, 86 Fleet Street.' In every other respect, even down to the page references, the wording on these early dated plates is identical with that used for Longman's book edition.

(v) A curious feature of this book's publishing history is its issue in parts, nine years after its appearance in book form. In 1845 there appeared over the imprint A. Fullarton and Co., 106 Newgate Street, London; 67 Abbey street, Dublin; Steads Place, Leith Walk, and 5 Nicholson Street, Edinburgh, fifteen shilling parts (6 × 9½), bound in buff paper wrappers printed in red-brown, and illustrated with steel engravings after Clarkson Stanfield. These engravings are twenty in number and identical with those in the first book edition, except that the Longmans imprint has been substituted on the plates by that of Fullarton, and the printer's name and the date of issue have been expunged. The distribution of plates among the fifteen parts is as follows: Parts I. IV. VI. VIII. X. contain two plates each; Parts II. III. V. VII. IX. XI. XII. XIII. XIV. and XV. contain one plate each. Publishers' advertisements occupy outside back wrappers. No date appears on the parts, but a title-page (with other preliminary matter) enclosed in Part XV. is datedMDCCCXLV.

The text of the book was clearly reset for this part issue, so there can be no question of a refurbishing of Longman sheets. It may be noted that, according to the wrappers, the plates were “engraved under the superintendence of Mr. Charles Heath.”(This person was responsible for the principal Books of Beauty, Keepsakes, and similar gift publications issued in large numbers toward Christmas time between 1840 and 1850 and distinguished by their beautiful steel engravings.)

There being no indication that the plates were re-engraved for the Fullarton edition, it may be presumed either that Heath superintended their original production in 1835 but had not at that time the “selling name” that by 1845 was his, or that Fullarton, anxious to give to their reissue something of novelty, paid Heath for a supervisory activity of a nominal kind in order to have the use of his name on their wrappers.

JAPHET IN SEARCH OF A FATHER. By the author ofPeter Simple,Jacob Faithful, etc. London: Saunders and Otley, Conduit Street. 1836. 3 vols. Ex. Cr. 8vo (4⅞ × 7⅞).

Vol. I. pp. viii + 304. Advertisement of other works by same author occupies verso of half-title.

Vol. II. pp. viii + 299 + (1). No half-title.

Vol. III. pp. viii + 319 + (5). Publishers' advertisements occupy pp. (321) to (324). No half-title.

Paper boards (half cloth), paper label. White end-papers.

Note—This book was published early in January, 1836. The story ran serially in the “Metropolitan Magazine” from October, 1834, to January, 1836.

STORIES OF THE SEA. ByCaptain Marryat, R.N. author ofPeter Simple,Japhet in Search of a Fatheretc. New York: Published by Harper and Brothers, No. 82 Cliff Street. 1836. 1 vol. Sm. Cr. 8vo (4½ × 7¼). Pp. (236) [paged as 232 + (2)]. No printed half-title, but 2 pp. blank precede title and form part of the book, although omitted from page reckoning. Advertisement to the American edition, dated January, 1836, occupies p. (3). Figured maroon cloth, paper label. White end-papers.

Note—This book is the American edition ofThe Pirate and the Three Cutters. It also contains Marryat's storyMoonshine, which originally appeared inThe Keepsakeand was not published in book form in England until its inclusion inOlla Podridain 1840.

1836

MR. MIDSHIPMAN EASY. By the author ofJaphet in Search of a Father,Peter Simple,Jacob Faithfuletc. Saunders and Otley, Conduit Street. 1836. 3 vols. Ex. Cr. 8vo (4⅞ × 7⅞).

Vol. I. pp. vii + (i) + 291 +(1). Advertisement of author's previous works occupies verso of half-title.

Vol. II. pp. vii + (i) + 306 + (2). Publishers' advertisement occupies verso of half-title, and 2 pp. publishers' advertisements, dated July, 1836, occupy pp. (307) (308).

Vol. III. pp. viii + 314 + (2). Publishers' advertisement occupies verso of half-title and pp. (315) (316).

Paper boards (half cloth), paper label. White end-papers.

Note—This book was published in September, 1836. One instalment was printed in the “Metropolitan Magazine” in July, 1836, but serialization was never completed.

THE DIARY OF A BLASÉ. By the author ofJacob Faithful,Peter Simpleetc. Philadelphia: E. L. Carey and A. Hart. 1836. 1 vol. Ex. Cr. 8vo (4¾ × 7¾). Pp. 197 + (1). Paper boards, paper label. White end-papers.

Note—I cannot establish the month of publication of this book, but twenty-eight chapters of a work entitledThe Diary of a Blaséappeared serially in the “Metropolitan Magazine” to July, 1836, at which point the narrative was left incomplete. It made no separate appearance in book form in England, being included under the titleDiary on the ContinentinOlla Podrida(see below—1840).

SNARLEYOW orThe Dog Fiend. By the author ofPeter Simple,Frank Mildmayetc. London: Henry Colburn, Publisher, 13 Great Marlborough Street. 1837. 3 vols. Ex. Cr. 8vo (4¾ × 7⅞).

Vol I. pp. viii + 307 + (5). Publisher's advertisements occupy pp. (309) to (312).

Vol. II. pp. vii + (i) + 299 + (1).

Vol. III. pp. viii + 307 + (1).

Paper boards (half cloth), paper label. White end-papers.

Note—This book was published in June, 1837. The story ran serially in the “Metropolitan Magazine” from February, 1836, to July, 1837. Marryat changed his publisher with this novel, because Saunders and Otley refused to pay an advance on royalties.

THE PHANTOM SHIP. ByCapt. Marryat, R.N. Author ofPeter Simple,Jacob Faithful,Frank Mildmayetc. London: Henry Colburn, Publisher, Great Marlborough Street. 1839. 3 vols. Ex. Cr. 8vo (4¾ × 7¾).

Vol. I. pp. (iv) + 300.

Vol. II. pp. (ii) + 289 + (1). No half-title.

Vol. III. pp. (ii) + 266. No half-title.

Paper boards (half cloth), paper label. White end-papers.

Note—This book was published in April, 1839. The story appeared serially in the “New Monthly Magazine” during 1837.

A DIARY IN AMERICA:With Remarks on its Institutions. ByCaptain Marryat, C.B. Author ofPeter Simple,Jacob Faithful,Frank Mildmayetc. London: Printed for Longman, Orme, Brown, Green and Longmans, Paternoster Row. 1839. 3 vols. Ex. Cr. 8vo (4⅞ × 7¾).

Vol. I. pp. (iv) + 321 + (3).

Vol. II. pp. (iv) + 319 + (1).

Vol. III. pp. (iv) + 311 + (1). Note of errata to Vol. I. occupies p. (312) of Vol. III.

Paper boards (half cloth), paper label. Also full green grained cloth, paper label. White end-papers.

Note—This book was published in October, 1839.

1839

A DIARY IN AMERICAetc. Part Second.ByCapt. Marryat, C.B. Printed for Longman, Orme, Brown, Green and Longmans, Paternoster Row. 1839. 3 vols. Ex. Cr. 8vo (4⅞ × 7¾).

Vol. I. pp. (iv) + 304.

Vol. II. pp. (iv) + 293 + (1).

Vol. III. pp. (iv) + 362.

Vol. II. contains two folding maps, which precede p. 1. Paper boards (half cloth), paper label. White end-papers.

Note—This book was published in December, 1839.

POOR JACK. ByCaptain Marryat, C.B. With illustrations by Clarkson Stanfield, R.A. London: Longman, Orme, Brown, Green and Longmans, Paternoster Row. 1840. 1 vol. Large Med. 8vo (5⅞ × ¼). Pp. x + 384. Because the volume is composed of bound-up parts, the half-title is p. 1 of the story itself and does not precede frontispiece. The book contains forty-seven wood engravings after Clarkson Stanfield, of which thirty-six printed separately and eleven in the text. Dark green cloth, blocked in gold. Yellow end-papers.

Notes—(i) This book was published on December 1, 1840.

(ii)Poor Jackfirst appeared in twelve monthly shilling parts (5⅞ × 9), bound in buff paper wrappers, printed in black. The first was published at the beginning of January, and the last at the beginning of December, 1840. Each part (subject to the variations stated below) contained three full-page wood engravings after Clarkson Stanfield, printed separately. Eleven small engravings appear throughout the text.

Included in Part XII. were title-page and preliminary matter (x pp.).

Parts I. to III. were undated; Part IV. was dated April 1; and each succeeding part was dated similarly with the month of its appearance.

Part I. should contain at front or back publishers' catalogue, 8 pp., dated January 1, 1840, and entitled “Poor Jack's Advertising Sheet.” Also at back an illustrated advertisement ofPaul Periwinkle.

Part II. should contain at front publishers' 4 pp. list, dated February, 1840, and a prospectus (8 pp., enclosed in buff wrappers) of McCulloch's Geographical, Statistical and Historical Dictionary.

Parts III. to XI. contained (so far as I can discover) no advertising matter apart from that printed on the wrappers themselves.

Part XII. should contain 2 pp. publishers' advertisements both at front and back, printed on the buff wrapper paper.

Notes on the Plates.

(i) No plates were issued with Part IX., but six instead of three with Part X. A slip should be found inserted in Part IX. calling attention to the arrangement. My own set shows a similar happening in the case of Parts VII. and VIII., but there is no sign of a slip having figured in the former to explain the absence of illustration.

(ii) In two cases there are variations in underline between part and book issue: (a) One of the plates included in Part XI. is entitled “The Euphrosyne in the Downs,” but this legend is omitted altogether in some copies of the book. (b) Included in Part XII. is a plate entitled “The Prize at Sheerness.” This underline reads in most copies of the book “The Prize in The Medway.” Collectors anxious to possess the actual first issue of the book—i.e., that bound up from actual parts—should examine these two points in copies they consider purchasing.

OLLA PODRIDA. By the author ofPeter Simpleetc. etc. London: Longman, Orme, Brown, Green and Longmans, Paternoster Row. 1840. 3 vols. Ex. Cr. 8vo (4¾ × 7¾).

Vol. I. pp. vi + (ii) + 310.

Vol. II. pp. (iv) + 362 + (2).

Vol. III. pp. (iv) + 332.

Paper boards (half cloth), paper label. White end-papers. Also issued in ribbed maroon cloth, gilt. Yellow end-papers.

There is no contents list to Volume I. The complete contents are: Diary on the Continent—The Monk of Seville (a play)—S.W.and by W. ¾ W.—Ill-Will (a charade)—The Sky-Blue Domino—Modern Town Houses—The Way to be Happy—How to Write a Fashionable Novel—How to Write a Book of Travels—How to Write a Romance—The Legend of the Bell Rock—Moonshine.

Note—This book was published on December 1, 1840. Of the contents the “Diary on the Continent” appeared serially in the “Metropolitan Magazine” (see above,Diary of a Blasé, 1836), and the shorter pieces partly in the same journal, partly in the “New Monthly,” and one (“Moonshine”) inThe Keepsake(see above,Stories of the Sea, 1836).

MASTERMAN READYor The Wreck of the Pacific. Written for Young People. ByCaptain Marryat. London: Longman, Orme, Brown, Green and Longmans, Paternoster Row. 1841 (Vol. I.), 1842 (Vols. II. and III.). 3 vols. in all. Fcap. 8vo (4¼ × 6¾).

Vol. I. pp. viii + 287 + (1). Publishers' catalogue, 16 pp., dated February, 1841, bound in at end.

Vol. II. pp. (iv) + 269 + (3). Publishers' catalogue, 16 pp. (maybe two catalogues each of 16 pp.), dated April, 1842, bound in at end or, in some cases, after first front end-paper.

Vol. III. pp. (iv) + 225 + (3). Publishers' catalogue, 30 pp., dated October, 1842, bound in at end.

Each volume contains frontispiece (that to Vol. III. is a map) and several text illustrations, wood engraved and printed on text paper. Dark green cloth, gilt, blocked in blind. Yellow end-papers.

Notes—(i) Vol. I. was published in May, 1841; Vol. II. in April, 1842; and Vol. III. in December, 1842.

(ii) Because the book was first planned to occupy one volume only, there is no indication on Vol. I. of its being the first of a series. Vols. II. and III., however, are so described on title-page and on binding.

(iii) Vol. I. was catalogued on its publication as bound in “boards.” This indicates that copies were first issued with paper label and in half cloth, but I have never seen one so bound.

1841

JOSEPH RUSHBROOK: OrThe Poacher. By the author ofPeter Simple. London: Longman, Orme, Brown, Green and Co., Paternoster Row. 1841. 3 vols. Ex. Cr. 8vo (4¾ × 7¾).

Vol. I. pp. viii + 275 + (1).

Vol. II. pp. viii + 293 + (3).

Vol. III. pp. viii + 269 + (7). Advertisements of works by the same author occupy pp. (270) to (276).

Paper boards, half cloth, paper label. White end-papers.

Note—This book was published in June, 1841. The story appeared serially in “The Era.”

PERCIVAL KEENE. ByCaptain Marryat, author ofPeter Simple,Jacob Faithfuletc. etc. London: Henry Colburn, Publisher, Great Marlborough Street. 1842. 3 vols. Ex. Cr. 8vo (4¾ × 7¾).

Vol. I. pp. (iv) + 293 + (3).

Vol. II. pp. (iv) + 279 + (1).

Vol. III. pp. (iv) + 315 + (1).

Paper boards, half cloth, paper label. White end-papers.

Note—This book was published in August, 1842.

NARRATIVE OF THE TRAVELS AND ADVENTURES OF MONSIEUR VIOLET IN CALIFORNIA, SONORA AND WESTERN TEXAS. Written byCaptain Marryat, C.B. London: Longman, Brown, Green and Longmans, Paternoster Row. 1843. 3 vols. Ex. Cr. 8vo (4¾ × 7¾).

Vol. I. pp. viii + 312.

Vol. II. pp. (iv) + 318 + (2).

Vol. III. pp. (iv) + 299 + (1).

Folding map faces title-page of Vol. I. Paper boards, half cloth, paper label. White end-papers.

Note—This book was published in October, 1843.

THE SETTLERS IN CANADA: Written for Young People. ByCaptain Marryat. London: Longman, Brown, Green and Longmans, Paternoster Row. 1844. 2 vols. Fcap. 8vo (4⅛ × 6¾).

Vol. I. pp. (iv) + 356. Publishers' catalogue, 32 pp., undated or dated September, 1844, or earlier, bound in at end.

Vol. II. pp. (iv) + 374 + (2).

Each volume contains frontispiece in wood engraving printed on text paper. Grey-brown cloth, gilt, blocked in blind. Pale yellow end-papers.

Notes—(i) This book was published on September 7, 1844. It is possible that the earliest issue contained an undated catalogue, but this can only be established by comparison between a larger number of copies of the book than I have contrived to examine, and a careful investigation of the books listed in any such undated catalogue.

(ii) I have seen an announcement of this book as in “boards,” but have never met with copies so bound.

THE MISSION:Or Scenes in Africa. Written for Young People. ByCaptain Marryat. London: Longman, Brown, Green and Longmans. Paternoster Row. 1845. 2 vols. Fcap. 8vo (4¼ × 6¾).

Vol. I. pp. (vi) + 328. Publishers' catalogue, 32 pp. and undated, bound in at end.

Vol. II. pp. (iv) + 374 + (2).

Each volume contains frontispiece in wood engraving, printed on text paper. Vol. I. contains, following title and also on text paper, a map. Brown cloth, gilt, blocked in blind. Pale yellow end-papers.

Note—This book was published in June, 1845.

1846

THE PRIVATEER'S-MAN:One Hundred Years Ago. ByCaptain Marryat, R.N. London: Longman, Brown, Green and Longmans, Paternoster Row. 1846. 2 vols. Fcap. 8vo (4¼ × 6¾).

Vol. I. pp. (iv) + 379 + (1). Publishers' catalogue, dated July, 1846, or earlier, bound in at end.

Vol. II. pp. (iv) + 361 + (1).

Grey-green cloth, gilt, blocked in blind. Yellow end-papers.

Note—This book was published in July, 1846. The story appeared serially in the “New Monthly Magazine,” which periodical had just been purchased by W. Harrison Ainsworth.

THE CHILDREN OF THE NEW FOREST. ByCaptain Marryat, R.N. London: H. Hurst, 27 King William Street, Charing Cross. 2 vols. Fcap. 8vo (4¼ × 6¾).

Vol. I. pp. (iv) [enclosing inset title-page printed in red and green] + 288 + (2).

Vol. II. pp. (iv) [enclosing inset title-page printed in red and green] + 298 + (4).

Vol. I. contains eight and Vol. II. four steel-engraved illustrations by Frank Marryat, printed separately.

Notes—(i) This book was the first story inThe Juvenile Library. Vol. I. was published in July and Vol. II. in October, 1847. In all the copies I have been able to examine pp. (299) to (302) of Vol. II. are occupied by an announcement of this library and by reviews ofThe Children of the New Forestitself. Whether the book, on its actual first appearance, had these pages blank or otherwise occupied I do not know, but it is certainly curious to find press notices of a story in any but subsequent issues of that story. It should be noted that the pages in question are not inset, but form the last quarter of a 16 pp. sheet.

(ii) It is rumoured in some quarters that the book, as originally issued, was dated on the title-page. I have never seen a copy so dated.

1848/9

THE LITTLE SAVAGE. ByCaptain Marryat, R.N. In Two Parts. Part I. First edition. London: H. Hurst, 27 King William Street, Charing Cross. 1848. Part II. First edition. London: H. Hurst and Co., King William Street, Charing Cross. 1849. 2 vols. Fcap. 8vo (4¼ × 6¾).

Part I. pp. (iv) [enclosing inset title-page printed in red and green] + 298 + (4). Advertisements and reviews paged 1-4 ofThe Juvenile LibraryandThe Children of the New Forestoccupy pp. (299) to (302).

Part II. pp. (iv.) [enclosing inset title-page printed in red and green] + 280 + (4). Advertisements and reviews of Part I. and ofThe Children of the New Forestpaged 1-4 occupy pp. (281) to (284).

Each volume contains four line engravings printed separately. Grey-green cloth, blocked in gold. Uniform withThe Children of the New Forest.

Notes—(i) Part I. was published in December, 1848, and Part II. in February, 1849.

(ii) The second edition of Part II. differs from the first in that there are preliminary pages (viii), of which p. (v) bears a note by the author's son referring to Captain Marryat's death. Frontispiece and title-page are, as previously, inset on different paper, and the latter printed in red and green.

(iii) Of Part II. only two chapters were written by Marryat.

VALERIE:An Autobiography. ByCaptain Marryat, R.N. Author ofPeter Simple,Frank Mildmayetc. London: Henry Colburn, Publisher, Great Marlborough Street. 1849. 2 vols. Ex. Cr. 8vo (4¾ × 7¾).

Vol. I. pp. (iv) + 312. Publisher's advertisements, 2 pp., printed on text paper bound in at end.

Vol. II. pp. (iv) + 287 + (1). Advertisement ofFrank Mildmayoccupies p. (288).

Paper boards, half cloth, paper label. Also grey-green cloth, gilt, blocked in blind. White end-papers.

Note—This book was published in June, 1849. The story—to the end of Vol. II., chap. iii.—appeared serially in the “New Monthly Magazine” during 1846 and 1847. Owing to illness, Marryat was unable to complete the book, which was finished by another hand.

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