2 volumes, 8vo (187 x 110 mm). Engraved frontispieces, advertisements. (Light dampstaining to first few leaves vol. II, a few small stains.) Contemporary straight-grained morocco gilt (rebacked preserving original spines, endpapers renewed). 

FIRST EDITION, second issue with p.258 correctly numbered. "Southey constructed an early-nineteenth century hero as a model for the young - in his words, a 'patriotic manual'. He told a friend that he would write 'such a life of Nelson as shall be put into the hands of every youth destined for the Navy'" (Knight, The Pursuit of Victory, p. 542).