[Beckford (William)] [Vathek] An Arabian Tale, from an Unpublished Manuscript: with Notes Critical and Explanatory, first (but unauthorised) edition, with errata leaf and final blank (often missing), p.48 misnumbered "84", woodcut illustrations of fans to p.316, Lady Caroline Lamb's copy with her ink signature to front free endpaper, note to foot of title and a few light pencil markings and annotations to text in her hand, title lightly stained, some foxing to text, Panshanger bookplate, a good tall copy, later red straight-grain morocco with single gilt fillet border, spine titled and ruled in gilt with five raised bands, g.e., a little spotted and rubbed, spine darkened, corners bumped, preserved in modern red morocco-backed cloth drop-back box, spine gilt in compartments, [Chapman 3(A).i; Garside, Raven & Schowerling 1786:15; Rothschild 352], 8vo (200 x 120mm.), for J.Johnson, 1786.

⁂ A fine association copy of Beckford's influential Gothic novel, originally written in French and translated and edited by his friend Rev. Samuel Henley. Contrary to Beckford's wishes this edition preceded the first French edition which was published in December 1786 in Lausanne (but dated 1787).

Lady Caroline Lamb (1785-1828), Anglo-Irish aristocrat and novelist, wife of William Lamb (later Lord Melbourne), who had a public and scandalous affair with Lord Byron and is reputed to have coined the phrase "mad, bad, and dangerous to know" about the poet. Her most renowned work is the Gothic novel Glenarvon published in 1816, which included recognisable portraits of herself, Byron and others, and which ensured her rejection from society. Her husband's sister, Emily, married the 5th Earl Cowper whose seat was Panshanger in Hertfordshire and which holds the papers of both Lord Melbourne and Lady Caroline.