Add MS 75745

Althorp Papers. Vol. cdxlv. Laurence Sterne, 'Le Fever's Story': a manuscript version of most of chapters V-XIII of the sixth volume of Tristram Shandy, endorsed by Lady Spencer, 'The Story of Le Fever sent me by Sterne before it was published'; [1761-1762?]. The title, the first page, headed `The Conclusion of the Chapter [i.e., chapter V] leading to the Story', and probably the last line also are in Sterne's hand. The remainder of the manuscript appears to be in the hand of a copyist, with a few autograph corrections by Sterne. There are a number of verbal and literal differences between this manuscript and the first published edition, and the former omits all but the first few lines of chapter XI. Volumes V and VI of Tristram Shandy are dedicated to Lord Spencer, and in this dedication Sterne 'inscribes' the story of Le Fever to Lady Spencer. With two Spencer bookplates, from the libraries at Wimbledon and Althorp respectively. In Wilbur L. Cross, The Life and Times of Laurence Sterne, 3rd ed. (New Haven, 1929), p. 624, this manuscript is stated to have been sold by the Spencers at the end of the 19th century.

Modern binding of red morocco, gilt-stamped. 240 x 190 mm.

Laurence Sterne, author: `Le Fever's Story', from Tristram Shandy: [1761-1762?]: Partly autogr.