Samuel Relf, 1797

RELF, Samuel (1776-1823). Infidelity; or the Victims of Sentiment. A Novel, in a Series of Letters. Philadelphia: W.W. Woodward, 1797.

First edition of a controversial novel about the consequences of adultery, "the first free-standing Philadelphia novel" (Knott). Relf was a journalist and certain aspects of his novel (which he writes in the preface was originally conceived as a magazine piece) were ripped from the headlines. It is dedicated to the daughter of Philadelphia socialite Ann Willing Bingham; the 6-page subscribers list provides an intriguing look at the literary community in Philadelphia at the time. This copy is the only one recorded by RBH at auction since 1945 when the Hogan copy sold at Parke Bernet. Wright 2110; Evans 32746. See Sarah Knott, Sensibility and the American Revolution (2012).

12mo (166 x 92mm). 6pp. subscribers list and one advertisement leaf (some toning, a few old stains). Contemporary calf with morocco title label on spine (rubbed and worn, without flyleaves). Provenance: illegible inscription on title with some humorous and apparently knowledgeable marginalia – Robert Leaming Montgomery, 1879-1949 (armorial bookplate) – Robert H. and Donna L. Jackson (their sale, Bonhams, New York, 18 October 2011, lot 146).