Zanoni. LYTTON, Edward Bulwer.

First edition of "arguably Lytton's most original work of fiction, set during the French Revolution and steeped in the occult lore of which he had become a serious student. The eponymous hero is a Rosicrucian sage who has mastered the secret of immortality but relinquishes this gift to save the life of the woman he loves" (ODNB). It has been suggested that the dramatic ending, where Zanoni dies in her place on the guillotine, was an inspiration to Charles Dickens when he came to write A Tale of Two Cities some twenty years later. Sadleir 451; Wolff 964. 3 volumes, duodecimo. Contemporary half calf, spines decorated in gilt in compartments, leather labels, marbled boards. Ownership inscription to front free endpapers of John Halditch Adams of Grays Inn dated 1844, bookseller's ticket of Henningham & Hollis to front pastedowns. Spine labels a little chipped, foot of spine to volume 2 repaired. Bound without the half-titles and advertisment leaves. Intermittent foxing, severe in places; a good copy.