It Is Never Too Late to Mend. A Matter of Fact Romance. In Two Volumes

423 pp + 424 pp + 12 pages ads. First US edition of the author's first novel -- he would go on to become famous for The Cloister and The Hearth. Original dark green ribbed cloth blind stamped with ruling and floral decoration. Spines are sunned, spine gilt is only just legible. Both volumes have old owner inscrip dated 1856, end papers a little yellow, Vol. I first blank has small chip at edge, dedication page is oxidized, Vol. II has small chip at fore-edge of first few blanks and title, paper in Vol. II is browning more than Vol. I, tho it is clearly a matched set. Bindings are firm, paper is unmarked and clean, handsome set. Author's edition.; 12mo - over 6¾" - 7¾" tall