CHAPONE, MRS. [HESTER]

The Posthumous Works of Mrs. Chapone. Containing Her Correspondence with Mr. Richardson; A Series of Letters to Mrs. Carter, and Some Fugitive Pieces, Never Before Published.

      London: Printed for John Murray and A. Constable, 1807. First edition NCBEL II, 1598. 2 vols in 1, contemporary marbled paper boards recently rebacked in quarter calf period style, red morocco label, gilt rules and lettering. Bound without the half-titles. ¶ An important edition of Mrs. Chapone's works, which publishes for the first time some of her earliest writings including her interesting letters to her friend Samuel Richardson: “It was her widely circulated letters to Richardson (written in 1750–51) concerning a woman's right to exercise her judgment and consult her emotions in refusing an arranged marriage, which made [Chapone] something of a cause célèbre in her youth. The letters, published posthumously argue passionately, but in the abstract, for romantic love and companionate marriage. [She] treats with high seriousness the contradiction in acknowledging women's rationality and abstract equality while denying them moral agency, but deals with the problem by maintaining a complaisant if teasing voice—she cajoles her obstinate opponent” - DNB online. Chapone uses Richardson's character Clarissa as an example throughout her letters. Binding a little tight; some light foxing; contemporary bookplate on the front paste-down; modern bookplate on the front free endpaper; very good copy.