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MATTHEWS, Henry. The Diary of an Invalid. Being the Journal of a Tour in Pursuit of Health in Portugal, Italy, Switzerland and France in the Years 1817, 1818 and 1819. London: John Murray, 1824. In two volumes. Fourth edition. 8vo., cont. cream half calf, marble boards, gilt decoration on spine, leather labels, xvi, 296, xi, 307pp. Bookplates, leather a bit discoloured, slight wear at the spine ends, but in fact a near fine set.
Matthews (1789-1828) left England in 1817 for the Continent due to his ill health. On his return he published the above, now well-known title. This work attracted much popular favour and by 1835 had reached a fifth edition. Matthews provides the reader with "light and pleasant sketches of manners, and other popular information on Portugal, Italy and Switzerland and France... and he is at once vigorous and lively..." Most of the first volume and 80pp. of vol. II concern Italy.