Leonora Translated from the German of Gottfried Augustus Bürgher, by W. R. Spencer, Esq.

First edition in English. Illustrated by Lady Diana Beauclerc. Folio. Contemporary half calf with marbled paper covered boards, flat spine with six panels outlined in gilt, second panel with red morocco label lettered in gilt. London, Edwards & Harding. 

“Following Schiller came a string of German translations authored by minor German writers, and very quickly, of works by British writers modelled or masquerading as German translations. The impression of German ascendency in the writing of the supernatural was confirmed in 1796 by the publication of no less than five different translations of Gottfried August Bürger’s ballad ‘Lenore’. 

The original German was quoted in Dracula, with one of Jonathan Harker’s companions whispering “Denn die Todten reiten Schnell” (“For the dead travel fast”) in the presence of the mysterious coach driver who had “a hard-looking mouth, with very red lips and sharp-looking teeth, as white as ivory” (Stoker). 

A good copy, re-backed and re-cornered, with some browning and rubbing covers.  

Stock Code: 244082