LEWIS, Matthew Gregory (1775--1818)
The monk: a romance. In three volumes. ...
London (Place), printed for J. Bell,, 1796.
3 vols ; 17.1 cm. (12º)
I: v, [3], 232 p.
II: [2], 287, [1] p.
III: [2], 315, [1] p.

The anonymous first edition with the preface is signed 'M.G.L.' i.e. Matthew Gregory Lewis, and with the quotations before the volume numbers on the title-pages. The Monk was probably the most celebrated English gothic novel, and may have provided some of the inspiration for Soane's creation of a 'gothick' basement monk's dining-room at Pitzhanger Manor, which Lewis himself later visited in June 1804. (See Darley, Soane, p. 159). ESTC t132693.

Copy Notes Copy 1: Each volume inscribed in ink on front free-endpaper John Soane [i.e. John junior?]; vol. I additionally with date 1796. In this copy the English quotation on the title-pages has line 1 shorter than line 2 in vols I and III, and line 1 longer than line 2 in vol. II.
Copy 2: 17.9 cm. The three volumes bound in two, and with the vol. II title-leaf bound to precede p. 179 at the start of the second volume as bound. Bought at the Lyttelton Sale, 1--6 July 1823, 4th day, lot 113 with five others (q.v.). In this copy the English quotation on the title-pages has line 1 longer than line 2 in vols I and II, and line 1 shorter than line 2 in vol. III.

Binding Copy 1: Early C19th half sprinkled calf, marbled-paper boards, gilt-ruled spines, maroon spine-labels. Three volumes bound in two.
Copy 2: C19th sprinkled calf, marbled-paper boards, gilt double-ruled spines, black morocco spine-labels.

Reference Number 4678

Additional Names Lyttelton, William Henry, 3rd baron (1782--1837) - Collections