1880s(?) The Vicar of Wakefield and Other buy Works

A beautiful black and gilt green cover with many outstanding illustrations. A perfect book that may be used as decor, photo/movie prop or a hand-me-down item to children/grandchildren/loved ones.

Title: The Vicar of Wakefield and Other Works
Author: Oliver Goldsmith
Introduction by John Frances Waller
Publisher: Cassell, Petter,Galphin & Co.
Date: Unknown. Possibly 1880s?
Hardcover
Pages: 369

Please note that this book is oversized and heavy.


Condition: Book spine is weak and cracked (see pic). But pages are all still attached. Outer side of spine is slightly ripped (cover is dislocated from spine). Outer edges of cover are rubbed. The inside appears to be clean. A few splattering droplets of white ink found on back outside cover.


~Plot~

The Vicar – Dr Charles Primrose – lives an idyllic life in a country parish with his wife Deborah, son George, daughters Olivia and Sophia, and three other children. He is wealthy due to investing an inheritance he received from a deceased relative, and he donates the £35 that his job pays annually to local orphans and war veterans. On the evening of George's wedding to wealthy Arabella Wilmot, the Vicar loses all his money through the bankruptcy of his merchant investor who has left town abruptly.

The wedding is called off by Arabella's father, who is known for his prudence with money. George, who was educated at Oxford and is old enough to be considered an adult, is sent away to town. The rest of the family move to a new and more humble parish on the land of Squire Thornhill, who is known to be a womanizer. On the way, they hear about the dubious reputation of their new landlord. Also, references are made to the squire's uncle Sir William Thornhill, who is known throughout the country for his worthiness and generosity.

A poor and eccentric friend, Mr. Burchell, whom they meet at an inn, rescues Sophia from drowning. She is instantly attracted to him, but her ambitious mother does not encourage her feelings.

Then follows a period of happy family life, interrupted only by regular visits of the dashing Squire Thornhill and Mr. Burchell. Olivia is captivated by Thornhill's hollow charm, but he also encourages the social ambitions of Mrs. Primrose and her daughters to a ludicrous degree.

Finally, Olivia is reported to have fled. First Burchell is suspected, but after a long pursuit Dr. Primrose finds his daughter, who was in reality deceived by Squire Thornhill. He planned to marry her in a mock ceremony and leave her then shortly after, as he had done with several women before.

When Olivia and her father return home, they find their house in flames. Although the family has lost almost all their belongings, the evil Squire Thornhill insists on the payment of the rent. As the vicar cannot pay, he is brought to prison.

Afterwards is a chain of dreadful occurrences. The vicar's daughter, Olivia, is reported dead, Sophia is abducted, and George too is sent to prison in chains and covered with blood, as he had challenged Thornhill to a duel when he had heard about his wickedness.

But then Mr. Burchell arrives and solves all problems. He rescues Sophia, Olivia is not dead, and it emerges that Mr. Burchell is in reality the worthy Sir William Thornhill, who travels through the country in disguise. In the end, there is a double wedding: George marries Arabella, as he originally intended, and Sir William Thornhill marries Sophia. Squire Thornhill's servant turns out to have tricked him, and thus the sham buy marriage of the Squire and Olivia is real. Finally, even the wealth of the vicar is restored, as the bankrupt merchant is reported to be found.

IMPORTANT SHIPPING INFO
Please note that this item will only be sent within mainland Canada and mainland US. Buyers outside of the mainland (Newfoundland, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, other US territories and Canadian/U.S. overseas army stations and other non mainland locations not listed here) will need to contact me prior to purchase for an estimated shipping price. If a purchase is made for a shipping address outside of the mainland, I do hold the right to cancel the order. Thanks


********************************************************

BOOKS-When describing the condition of the books, I will try to include details about the cover and inside of the book. I always scan/flip through the pages to see if there are markings/writing worth noting. But since each book contains hundreds of pages, it is not possible to check each individual page for writing/marks. Therefore, I cannot guarantee that a book is 100% mark/writing free. Considering that these books are pre-loved, vintage and antique, there will always be the likelihood that the inside may not be perfect. Please bear this in mind when making a book purchase. Should you have any questions, please ask prior to making purchase.

Shipping Overages

Any shipping overcharge above $1CAD will be refunded.


*******************************************************

PLEASE READ MY POLICIES/TERMS OF SALE PRIOR TO SUBMITTING YOUR PURCHASE. DUE TO THE DELICATE NATURE OF ANTIQUES/VINTAGE ITEMS, RETURNS/REFUNDS/EXCHANGES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. BY CLICKING ON PURCHASE, YOU UNDERSTAND AND ACCEPT THE POLICIES/TERMS OF SALE PUT FORTH BY FIDOS TREASURE CHEST. ITEM IS IN "AS IS" CONDITION, AND SALE IS FINAL AND BINDING.

THANK YOU