[SCOTT, SIR WALTER] | Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border: Consisting of Historical and Romantic Ballads, Collected in the Southern Counties of Scotland... Kelso: Printed by James Ballantyne for T. Cadell, W. Davies.., 1802

[SCOTT, SIR WALTER]
Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border: Consisting of Historical and Romantic Ballads, Collected in the Southern Counties of Scotland... Kelso: Printed by James Ballantyne for T. Cadell, W. Davies.., 1802

Two volumes, 8vo (8 1/4 x 5 1/8 in.; 210 x 130 mm), engraved frontispiece in volume 1; some spotting, browning, and minor repairs to preliminary leaves of both volumes. Contemporary calf, covers gilt with the Roxburghe arms, gilt dentelles, marble endpapers; covers worn, sympathetically rebacked.

First edition, presentation set ("from the Editor") to the Duke of Roxburghe, with further distinguished bibliophillic provenance

Scott's first significant literary production, and a key text in Scottish History. For at least ten years, since Scott had been admitted to the Faculty of Advocates in Edinburgh, he had been visiting the Scottish border areas and collecting these old ballads and rhymes; here he states his intention of preserving the history and traditions of his native land.

The provenance of the present set traces the pre-history of the Roxburghe Club via some of its key members, from Scott inscription (who would later become a member in 1822), to the the Duke himself, and later to founding member Thomas Frognall Dibdin via the landmark 1812 sale.

PROVENANCE:
John Ker, Third Duke of Roxburghe (presentation inscription to each volume, his sale, 1812, lot 3208) — Thomas Frognall Dibdin — William Lorance Rogers (armorial bookplate) — C. J. Stewart — Dr. Thomas Steel (presentation inscription to flyleaf, 1840) — private American collector

Condition Report:
Condition as described in catalogue entry.