7 vols., 8vo., Mixed Editions, with folding engraved maps and plans (a number coloured in outline), some light and inoffensive spotting; uniform original red cloth, boards framed in blind, gilt backs, uncut, primrose endpapers, tops lightly dust-soiled, several hinges tender (but all bindings entirely sound), a very good, bright, crisp set. THIS SET WAS FORMERLY IN THE LIBRARY OF MAJOR-GENERAL FREDERICK EDWARD SOTHEBY OF ECTON HALL AND BEARS HIS ENGRAVED ARMORIAL BOOKPLATE ON FRONT PASTE-DOWNS OF ALL VOLUMES. The set comprises Kaye: Vol. I (ninth edition, 1880); Vol. II: (fifth edition, 1888); Vol. III (fourth edition, 1880); Malleson: Vol. I (second edition, 1878); Vol. II (second edition, 1879); Vol. III (first edition, 1888); Pincott (first edition, 1880). Major-General Frederick Edward Sotheby (1837-1909), born in Sewardstone, Essex and only son of Rear Admiral Charles Sotheby, led a distinguished military career. Commissioned in the Rifle Brigade in 1855, he served in the Crimea at the siege and fall of Sebastopol and the storming of the Redan. HE WENT ON TO SERVE THROUGHOUT THE INDIAN MUTINY AND WAS WITH HIS REGIMENT DURING THE CAPTURE OF LUCKNOW AND THE OUDE CAMPAIGN. Later service included the Chinese War (1860) where he was present at the surrender of Pekin, and the Ashanti War (1874) where he fought at Amoaful and Coomassie. Sotheby retirned in 1888 with the rank of Major-General. His family seat at Ecton Hall, Northamptonshire, was renowned for its library, of which the present set doubtless formed a part. 'Malleson's history begins at the close of the second volume of Sir John Kay's history. Malleson defends this action in his preface. Here he states that the third volume of Kaye did not do justice to the actors in the drama of the Mutiny' (Sorsky). Chuadhuri calls Malleson's work 'the most exciting in Mutiny literature'. SCARCE IN ANY EVENT, THIS IS A SPLENDID ASSOCIATION SET WITH DISTINGUISHED AND RELEVANT PROVENANCE. Sorsky, 594.
