Collection of the sporting novels in the original parts.

London: Bradbury and Evans,, 1853-65. A superb set in original parts of the classic comic sporting novels of the XIX century. "In 1838 Surtees published in book form a collection of his magazine articles featuring Mr Jorrocks, the "jolly, free-and-easy, fox-hunting grocer" (to use Surtees's own description), under the title of Jorrocks's Jaunts and Jollities. A longer, more rounded Jorrocks novel, Handley Cross, appeared in 1843 and another, Hillingdon Hall, in 1845. Then came two insipid productions, The Analysis of the Hunting Field (1846) and Hawbuck Grange (1847), both revolving around fox-hunting but lacking plot or strong characterization. His first moderate success came with Mr Sponge's Sporting Tour (1853). This was followed by two novels of a different type, Ask Mamma (1858) and Plain or Ringlets? (1860), in which the sporting interest is only part of a broader picture of provincial society. Although these contain interesting social detail and some memorable characters, they too suffer from having no strong central figure to hold the plot together. His last book, published posthumously in 1865, was Mr Facey Romford's Hounds, which Surtees himself regarded as a good sequel to Mr Sponge and which some critics consider his best novel". Together 6 separately published works in monthly parts, octavo. Illustrations by John Leech. Original orange paper wrappers printed in black. Each vol. housed in a custom red morocco pull-off case and matching cloth chemise (except Mr Facey Romford's Hounds, red morocco solander box). Bookplate of Fitz Eugene Dixon to chemise of Mr Facey Romford's Hounds; bookplate of Henry C. Taylor to chemises of remaining vols. Boxes rubbed. Some restoration to spines and wrappers extremities, some remaining wear with a few joints splitting, overall an excellent set. Tooley (with some variation to advertisements): 476; 473; 472; 477; 475 (without List of Works he calls for).