High-ways and By-ways, or Tales of the Roadside, Picked up in the French Provinces (Volume 1)

This is the oldest book I have ever seen! Title page says, Picked up in the French Provinces, by A Walking Gentleman. I guess he prefers to be anonymous... His adventures in France. The book is dedicated to Washington Irving!! This is both a romance and a travel adventure, written in English by an English gentleman visiting France. The writing reminds me very much of Jane Austen, manners, strong emotions, and detailed descriptions of each scene make this a compelling read! Great deal, recommended. The spine is soft leather, as are the tips on each corner, to protect them. The covers are marbled. Pages are thick, strong and creamy, almost like art paper. Binding is exceptionally tight and strong, as well. There is an interesting bookplate of a lion, which looks like a coat of arms, inside, which may have been an original part of the book, although I am guessing about that. On the bookplate is printed: John Capel Philips. I don t know if this is the secret author or not, but Google says he was a nobleman in England in the early 1800 s! Wow! Highly collectible.Volume 1 of two.