"There were a great many alterations of spelling made in the plates of the "Biglow Papers," which added much to the expense. I ought not to have stereotyped at all. But we are never done with cutting eye-teeth."
George Nichols, who published the book, was at one time an owner of the University Book-store, and, later, one of the proprietors of the University Press. He was noted for his skill in proof-reading.
The printing was done by Metcalf and Company, printers to the University; and the little book came out from their hands innocent of hives, scrolls, urns, or any other ornament. Something changed the author's mind, too, regarding Jaalam as the purporting place of publication.
Duodecimo.
Collation: 12, xxxii, 163 pp.
WILLIAM MAKEPEACE THACKERAY
(1811-1863)
87. Vanity Fair. | A Novel without a Hero. | By | William Makepeace Thackeray. | With Illustrations On Steel And Wood By The Author. | London: | Bradbury and Evans, 11, Bouverie Street. | 1848.
The name of the book, as we see it in the delightful and altogether characteristic drawing on the engraved title-page, reminds us of what Miss Kate Perry says in her reminiscences of Thackeray: