Tom Burke Of "Ours"
By Charles Lever
With Numerous Illustrations On Steel by H.K. Browne
Complete 2 Volume Set
Published by William Curry Jun. And Company: Dublin 1843
1st Edition
Profusely Illustrated With 42 Plates + 2 x Frontis ALL Present (44 In Total) - Original Publishers Cloth Bindings
"Tom Burke of "Ours" is one of Charles Lever's most ambitious and spirited novels, first published in Dublin in 1843, and firmly established as a classic of 19th-century Irish historical fiction. Set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, the story follows the fortunes of Tom Burke, an Irish officer serving in the British army, and unfolds across Ireland, continental Europe, and the great military theatres of the age. Lever combines romance, adventure, military action, and social comedy, capturing both the chaos of war and the distinctive wit, warmth, and volatility of Irish character that made his novels immensely popular with Victorian readers.
The narrative is richly episodic and cinematic, moving from battlefield drama to intimate personal encounters, with a large cast of vividly drawn characters. Lever's energetic prose and keen eye for detail bring the era to life, while the military episodes reflect his fascination with honour, loyalty, and the human cost of conflict. The novel is further enhanced by the celebrated steel engravings by H. K. Browne ("Phiz"), one of the foremost illustrators of the period, whose dramatic and expressive plates perfectly complement Lever's storytelling and add significant visual and collectible appeal.
This is a complete first edition two-volume set, published by William Curry, Jun. and Company, Dublin, in the original publisher's cloth bindings. The set is profusely illustrated with all 42 plates plus 2 frontispieces, all present (44 in total), an important point for collectors. Despite expected age-toning and foxing to the text, the bindings remain attractive and intact, making this a fine and honest example of a scarce Irish first edition. An impressive and highly desirable set, it would particularly appeal to collectors of Irish literature, Napoleonic and military fiction, illustrated Victorian novels, and admirers of H. K. Browne's engraved work."
Light wear and fading to covers and spine as pictured. Light foxing present, mainly affecting plates with multiple examples shown. All 44 plates are present. Binding quality is excellent with firm, secure covers and no loose pages. Many pages uncut in Volume 2. A wonderful, 1st Edition 2 volume copy in very good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.
