[Anonymous].

[Mary, Queen of Scots.]. The Court of Holyrood: Fragments of an old Story. . .

Edinburgh: Macredie, Skelly, & Co., 1822. First Edition. First edition of a scarce historical romance about Mary, Queen of Scots, published to coincide with the visit of George IV to Scotland in 1822, the first by a reigning monarch since that of Charles II in 1651.

A work clearly brimming with Scottish nationalist sentiment, the preface by the “authors” states the novel was “sketched some years ago” but was written “when a rumour arose, that an unknown author of great power [Sir Walter Scott, in publishing The Abbott in 1820] was about to bring back to our ken the days and fortunes of Queen Mary.”

However, disappointed that Scott only featured Mary while imprisoned rather than covering her reign, this novel was published to show that a historical romance “could be used to serve the purposes of contemporary Scottish patriotism,” offering “Mary as a sexily vulnerable icon, around whom a brotherhood of modern national subjects are confidently expected to rally.” Dobson, Lost Mother (LRB, Vol. 22, No. 4, 17 February 2000).

8vo. [2], v, [1], [9]-194pp.; with the half-title. Garside, 1822:4. A good plus copy, uncut, in the publisher’s original orange marbled boards with a printed paper spine label, the spine worn and chipped with loss and hinges weak. Relatively scarce in the 21st century, though an apparently popular work at the time, which saw a second edition in the same year and a third edition in 1825. Item #329

Price: $600.00