bound by Riviere & Son

The first edition of Rose's (1855-1942) classic biography of Napoleon Bonaparte, which remained for many years the definitive history on the Emperor and his perception in Britain.

A lovely example in half red morocco by Riviere & Son, illustrated with numerous photographic plates.

With provenance for the Anglo-Irish lawyer John Dawson Mayne (1828-1917) who served as the acting Advocate-General of the Madras Presidency from c.1868 until 1872.

First edition; 2 vols; 8vo (21 x 14 cm); photographic plates including frontispieces to each vol., bookplate to front pastedown of vol. I, minor spotting throughout; contemporary half red morocco by Riviere & Son, marbled paper boards ruled in gilt, gilt spines in 6 compartments, top-edge gilt, others uncut, a little marked, vol. II spine slightly faded, very good; xvii, [1], 512; viii, 594pp.