The present volume is an authentic 1797 Sixth Edition of The Old English Baron: A Gothic Story by Clara Reeve, printed in London for C. Dilly in the Poultry. Originally published in 1777 under the title The Champion of Virtue, the work is recognized as one of the foundational Gothic novels of the eighteenth century and an important transitional work in the development of Gothic literature. This example is distinguished by its exceptionally preserved contemporary full gilt tree calf binding with elaborate gilt tooling, gilt text block edges, and marbled endpapers. The volume retains all eight engraved plates called for in the edition, including the frontispiece, each contemporarily hand-colored in a manner consistent with late-Georgian watercolor application and copperplate engraving techniques. The engravings bear publication lines dated December 1, 1797, confirming their association with the 1797 issue. The typography, laid paper structure, engraved impressions, and binding characteristics are fully consistent with authentic late eighteenth-century English book production. The survival quality of the binding, gilt work, engraved plates, and interior pages is notably uncommon for a circulating Gothic novel of the period. The combination of complete contemporary hand-colored plates, deluxe original binding, and unusually strong preservation places this volume among the finer surviving examples of the edition.

estimated dimensions of approximately 8.25 x 5 inches (21 x 13 cm)