“Life of Lord Nelson” by John Fairburn, a Compilation of His Three Works, 1806

An exceptionally scarce 1806 35th edition of a three-part, 106 page hardcover compilation by John Fairburn titled “Life of Lord Nelson”, comprised of “Fairburn’s Edition of the Life, Death, and Funeral of Admiral Lord Nelson” (1805), “Fairburn’s Edition of the Death of Admiral Lord Nelson” (1806), and “Fairburn’s Edition of the Funeral of Admiral Lord Byron” (1806).

London-based print publisher and map, chart, and book seller John Fairburn (fl. 1789–1840) originally published these extremely popular memoirs as three separate chapbooks, with all editions of each considered scarce. We’ve been unable to find another example of—or reference to—this contemporaneously-published bound compendium of all three works, strongly suggesting that it’s an especially rare find.

Notable for four fantastic gatefolds featuring finely done and dramatic engravings that illustrate Nelson’s decisive final naval victory at Trafalgar, death in action during that battle, and subsequent funeral befitting one of England’s most revered national heroes. The first gatefold follows the front flyleaf and is prior to the first title page. Verso frontispiece gatefolds accompany the second and third recto title pages.

Highly engaging and delightfully varied contents include evocative and exciting narratives of Lord Byron’s storied life and exploits, detailed lists and descriptions of both military assets and funereal logistics, and poetic odes and epitaphs to his illustrious memory.

Front flyleaf bears a handwritten quill pen notation that we interpret to read:

“Sam Dennis His Book Th??? 1806”

Original cover clad in royal blue abstractly-patterned cloth with “Life of Lord Nelson . Fairburn” embossed in gold on the spine.

Images of pages in this listing are presented in the order that they appear in the book.

Dimensions: Height: 7 in Width: 4.25 in Depth: 0.5 in

Condition: Good
Wear consistent with age and use. Cover: front slightly faded w/ some discoloration on top/bottom edges; spine faded with minor wear at top/bottom edges and snag at middle. Contents: first gatefold with glue discoloration; minor foxing/spotting on some pages; ink marks on last page.