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“When life itself seems lunatic, who knows where madness lies? Perhaps to be too practical is madness. To surrender dreams — this may be madness": Rare first complete English edition of Cervantes' masterpiece Don Quixote
CERVANTES SAAVEDRA, Miguel de.
The History of Don-Quixote. The First Parte. The Second Part of the History of the Valorous and Witty Knight-Errant, Don Quixote of the Mancha. Written in Spanish by Michael Cervantes: and now translated into English.
London: Edward Blount, 1620.
Exceedingly rare first complete edition in English of Cervantes' masterpiece comprising the second edition of the first part and the first edition of the second part. Small octavo, 2 volumes bound in full calf with red morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, gilt turn-ins, frontispiece portrait of the author to Vol. I, engraved headpieces, tailpieces and initials. Translated from the original Spanish by Thomas Shelton, his first English translation published in 1612 was the first translation in any language, and took him only forty days to complete. The true first edition of Don Quixote was published in Madrid by Francisco de Robles in two parts in 1605…
Price: $125,000.00 Item Number: 117895
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“When life itself seems lunatic, who knows where madness lies? Perhaps to be too practical is madness. To surrender dreams — this may be madness": Rare first complete English edition of Cervantes' masterpiece Don Quixote
CERVANTES SAAVEDRA, Miguel de.
The History of Don-Quixote. The First Parte. The Second Part of the History of the Valorous and Witty Knight-Errant, Don Quixote of the Mancha. Written in Spanish by Michael Cervantes: and now translated into English.
London: Edward Blount, 1620.
Exceedingly rare first complete edition in English of Cervantes' masterpiece comprising the second edition of the first part and the first edition of the second part. Octavo, 2 volumes bound in full 19th century calf, engraved title in each volume. Translated from the original Spanish by Thomas Shelton whose first English translation published in 1612 was the first translation in any language and took him only forty days to complete. The true first edition of Don Quixote was published in Madrid by Francisco de Robles in two parts in 1605 and 1615. Shelton's first English translation first appeared in English in 1612, and was reissued in 1620…
Price: $175,000.00 Item Number: 130505
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Rare Second Edition in English of the First Part of Cervantes' Don Quixote
CERVANTES, Miguel De.
The First Part of the Life and Achievements of the Renowned Don Quixote de la Mancha.
London: By William Stansby For Ed: Blounte, 1620.
Rare second edition of the first part of Don Quixote in English. Octavo, bound in contemporary calf, engraved title page, woodcut headpieces and decorative initials. In very good condition with some wear to the binding, portion of upper spine. Translated by Thomas Shelton. Exceptionally rare and desirable.
Price: $35,000.00 Item Number: 74055
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Early Printing of Thomas Aquinas' Masterpiece Summa Theologica
AQUINAS, Thomas .
Summa Theologica Sancti Thomae Aquinatis, Divinae Voluntatis Interpretis: Sacri Ordinis Praedicatorum.
Parisiis: Sumptibus Maturini Henault, 1638.
Early printing of Aquinas' seminal work. Folio, bound in full leather with a red morocco spine label lettered in gilt, woodcut engraving of Aquinas in prayer to the title page. In very good condition with tape repairs to the title page.
Price: $1,500.00 Item Number: 90390
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Rare first edition of Thomas Heywood's The Life of Merlin
HEYWOOD, Thomas.
The Life of Merlin, Sirnamed Ambrosius. His Prophesies, and Predictions Interpreted; and their truth made good by our English Analls. Being a Chronological History of all the Kings, and memorable passages of this Kingdome, from Brute to the Reigne of our Royall Soveraigne King Charles.
London: Printed by J. Okes for Jasper Emery, 1641.
First edition of "one of Heywood's most interesting pot-boilers" (Pforzheimer). Octavo, bound in three quarter polished calf over marbled boards, morocco spine label lettered in gilt, all edges gilt, wood-engraved frontispiece portrait of Merlin "generally attributed to [Wenzel] Hollar" (Wither to Prior 448), woodcut initials, headpieces and tailpieces. In very good condition, lacking as usual To the Reader leaf, frontispiece trimmed, small repair to the title page. Uncommon.
Price: $5,500.00 Item Number: 139455
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“There were no embraces, because where there is great love there is often little display of it.": Second edition of the first English translation of Cervantes' masterpiece Don Quixote
CERVANTES SAAVEDRA, Miguel de.
The History of The Valorous Witty-Knight-Errant Don-Quixote, Of the Mancha.
London: Printed by Richard Hodgkinsonne for Andrew Crooke, 1652.
Second edition of the first English translation of Cervantes' masterpiece. Folio, bound in full calf with gilt titles and elaborate gilt tooling to the spine in five compartments within raised gilt bands, quadruple gilt ruling with cornerpiece flourishes to the front and rear panels, woodcut devices to the titles, woodcut initials and headpieces. Translated from the original Spanish by Thomas Shelton, his first English translation published in 1612 was the first translation in any language, and took him only forty days to complete. The true first edition of Don Quixote appeared in two parts in 1605 and 1614. The first…
Price: $10,000.00 Item Number: 96236
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"FAST BY THE ORACLE OF GOD, I THENCE INVOKE THY AID TO MY ADVENTUROUS SONG": FIRST EDITION OF JOHN MILTON'S MASTERPIECE PARADISE LOST
MILTON, John.
Paradise Lost: A Poem in Ten Books.
London: Printed by S. Simmons, and are to be sold by T. Helder, at the Angel in Little Brittain, 1669.
First edition of Milton's masterpiece, "one of the greatest works of the human imagination" (DNB). Small octavo, bound in full contemporary sprinkled calf, smooth spine gilt, red morocco lettering-piece gilt. Title-page and text within ruled border; woodcut headpieces and initials opening each book. (Without blank A1 after cancel title, F3 with paper flaw affecting rule border and shoulder notes, tiny mostly marginal wormhole to a few leaves.) Provenance: Elizabeth Gordon (signature on title verso dated 1686); Robert Chilton Pearson (bookplate); Patrick & Julie Pearson (bookplate). With the cancel title-page corresponding to Amory’s fourth issue, title page with "Angel" in the…
Price: $45,000.00 Item Number: 119536
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"SITTING BY NIGHT IN MY SECRET STUDY…": Rare First Edition in English of Nostradamus' True Prophecies or Prognostications
NOSTRADAMUS, Michael.
True Prophecies or Prognostications of Michael Nostradamus Physician to Henry II. Francis II. and Charles IX. Kings of France, and one of the best Astronomers that ever were. A Work full of Curiosity and Learning.
London: Thomas Radcliffe and Nathaniel Thompson, 1672.
First edition in English of Nostradamus famous prophetical work. Folio, contemporary calf, title page printed in red and black, lacking the frontispiece. In very good condition. Rare and desirable in contemporary calf.
Price: $7,800.00 Item Number: 129189
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“Trees that are slow to grow bear the best fruit": First Editions of the Works of Moliere
MOLIERE, Jean-Baptiste Poquelin.
Les Oeuvres De Monsieur De Moliere, Reveues, Corrigees & Augmentees (Tartuffe).
Paris: Chez Denys Thierry, 1682.
First complete and first illustrated collected edition, including 6 previously unpublished plays of the works of Moliere. Small octavo, 8 volumes. Finely bound in full crushed red morocco by Pouillet, gilt titles to the spine, raised bands, inner dentelles, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt, illustrated with engravings throughout. In near fine condition. An exceptional example.
Price: $12,500.00 Item Number: 95843
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A fine set of the works of Theodoretus; Each Beautifully Painted on the front and back of each panel
Opera Omnia. Ed. Jac. Sirmond (Volumes 1-4), and J. Garnier (Volume 5).
Paris: Sebastian and Gabriel Cramoisy, 1682-84.
A fine set of the works of Theodoretus, Bishop of Cyrus, beautifully painted on each panel. Quarto, five volumes, bound in full 17th-century vellum, both covers on each volume fully painted with a scene from the life of Christ, gilt titles and tooling to the spine, brown and black morocco lettering pieces. The first four volumes were edited by J. Sirmond and were published in 1642. The fifth volume, not published until 1684, was completed by Sirmond's fellow Jesuit Garnier and contains an auctarium, comprising fragments of commentaries and sermons and some additional letters, together with Garnier's five learned but…
Price: $27,500.00 Item Number: 140490
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"perhaps our best view of ancient Rome" Early English Edition of Livy's Masterpiece
LIVY,.
The Roman History Written in Latine by Titus Livius. With the Supplements Of the Learned John Freinshemius, and John Dujatius. From the Foundation of Rome to the middle of the Reign of Augustus. Faithfully done into English.
London: Awnsham Churchill, 1686.
An exceptional early English edition of Livy's classic Roman History. Folio, bound in period calf, illustrated with four plates, including frontispiece woodcut portraits of emperors and Hannibal, one two-page plate, and two maps of the early settlement of Rome. In very good condition, rebacked. A very sharp example.
Price: $4,800.00 Item Number: 133257
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Rare First Illustrated Edition in English of Cervantes’ Masterpiece Don Quixote
CERVANTES SAAVEDRA, Miguel de.
The History of the Most Renowned Don Quixote of Mancha: And his Trusty Squire Sancho Pancha, Now Made English according to the Humour of our Modern Language. And Adorned with several Copper Plates.
London: Printed by Tho. Hodgkin, and are to be sold by John Newton, 1687.
First edition of the first illustrated edition in English of Don Quixote. Folio, bound in three quarters calf over marbled boards, gilt titles to the spine, raised bands. With copper-engraved frontispiece and eight copper-engraved plates, each bearing two images. Translated by John Phillips. In very good condition with all plates present, signature trimmed. A very sharp example.
Price: $12,500.00 Item Number: 133909
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"O Daughter of the rose, whose cheeks unite the diff'ring titles of the red and white; which heav'ns alternate beauty well display the blush of morning, and the milky way": First Edition of Fables Ancient and Modern; Translated into Verse, From Homer, Ovid, Boccace, & Chaucer: With Original Poems in Rare Contemporary Binding
DRYDEN, John.
Fables Ancient and Modern; Translated into Verse, From Homer, Ovid, Boccace, & Chaucer: With Original Poems.
London: Jacob Tonson, 1700.
First edition of this collection of fables with nearly 12,000 verses translated or paraphrased from various including Homer, Chaucer and Ovid. Quarto, bound in contemporary calf Cambridge binding, tooled and lettered in gilt on spine, raised bands. In very good condition.
Price: $2,000.00 Item Number: 104852
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Rare Edition of Samuel Kent's The Grammar of Heraldry
KENT, Samuel.
The Grammar of Heraldry. Containing I. Rules of Blazoning, Cautions and Observations. II. Practical Directions for Marshalling with Discourses on the several Parts (or Ornaments) of an Atchievement. III. A Large Collection of Arms, by way of Example, Alphabetically digested. Wioth Two Appendices; And a List of the Subscribers; to most of them their Arms and Titles. The whole adorn’d with proper Cuts. By Samuel Kent.
London: Printed for J. Pemberton and sold by R. Tookey, 1716.
Rare first edition of this illustrated book on heraldry by Samuel Kent, who was one of the most renowned authorities in this field. Each page contains several (mostly five) coat of arms with captions. Small octavo, bound in full calf, gilt titles and tooling to the spine, morocco spine labels, raised bands, inner dentelles. Rare and desirable.
Price: $2,800.00 Item Number: 144131
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"the first novel in the English language": Exceedingly rare complete first edition set of all three books in Defoe's classic Robinson Crusoe series
DEFOE, Daniel.
The Life and Strange Surprizing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe; The Farther Adventures of Robinson Crusoe; Serious Reflections During the Life And Surprising Adventures of Robinson Crusoe.
London: Printed for W. Taylor at the Ship in Pater-Noster-Row, 1719-1720.
Exceedingly rare complete first edition set of all three books in Defoe's classic Robinson Crusoe series, including the scarce first and only printing of the third book in the series. Octavo, three volumes bound in full crushed red morocco by Francis Bedford with gilt titles and tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, triple gilt ruling to the front and rear panels, gilt turn-ins and inner dentelles, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt. The set consists of: Vol. I. The Life and Strange Surprizing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, of York, Mariner: Who lived Eight and Twenty Years,…
Price: $150,000.00 Item Number: 129597
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“Undoubtedly, philosophers are in the right when they tell us that nothing is great or little otherwise than by comparison": Rare First Edition of Jonathan Swifts's Classic Work Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World
SWIFT, Jonathan.
Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World. In Four Parts. By Lemuel Gulliver, first Surgeon, and then Captain of Several Ships. [Gulliver’s Travels].
London: Benjamin Motte, 1726.
First editions of Jonathan Swift’s masterpiece, Gulliver’s Travels. Octavo, two volumes, bound in three quarters contemporary calf over marbled boards, engraved frontispiece of Lemuel Gulliver, woodcut initials, five engraved maps, gilt titles to the spine. In near fine condition. Housed in a custom cloth slipcase. Bookplate to the pastedown and period ownership signature to each volume. Both volumes are the Teerink B edition. A very nice example of this classic in English literature.
Price: $18,000.00 Item Number: 95317
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“UNDOUBTEDLY, PHILOSOPHERS ARE IN THE RIGHT WHEN THEY TELL US THAT NOTHING IS GREAT OR LITTLE OTHERWISE THAN BY COMPARISON": First edition of Johnathan Swift's masterpiece Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World
SWIFT, Jonathan.
Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World. In Four Parts. By Lemuel Gulliver, first Surgeon, and then Captain of Several Ships. [Gulliver’s Travels].
London: Printed for Benj. Motte, at the Middle Temple-Gate in Fleet-Street, 1726.
First edition of Swift's masterpiece with Teerink-Scouten 290 (AA), with title page variant in volume II without the edition statement, but with "Vol. II", author portrait with Latin verses beneath printed on paper with vertical chain lines. Octavo, 2 volumes, bound in full calf, illustrated with five engraved maps and one engraved table. In near fine condition. Rare and desirable.
Price: $17,500.00 Item Number: 133845
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"I WAS MUCH SURPRISED TO HEAR FOWLS SPEAK, AS THEY WERE TO SEE SUCH A MONSTER AS I APPEARED TO BE": RARE FIRST EDITION OF ONE OF THE EARLIEST PROTO-SCIENCE FICTION NOVELS: A VOYAGE TO CACKLOGALLINIA
BRUNT, Samuel.
A Voyage to Cacklogallinia: with a Description of the Religion, Policy, Customs and Manners of that Country.
London: J. Watson, 1727.
First edition of this early 18th century satire published in imitation of Jonathan Swift's masterpiece Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World, or, Gulliver's Travels. Octavo, bound in full brown morocco by Charles Thurman, Binder. Raised bands, gilt titles and tooling to the spine, embossed front and rear panels, engraved frontispiece. From the library of NASA scientist and science fiction expert Frederick I. Ordway III, best known for his contribution to the development of close personal friend, Stanley Kubrick's, epic film 2001: A Space Odyssey. Rare.
Price: $7,800.00 Item Number: 36011
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"Perhaps the greatest French illustrated book of the first half of the eighteenth century": Rare first edition, first issue of Oeuvres de Moliere
MOLIèRE. [POQUELIN, Jean-Baptiste].
Oeuvres de Moliere. Nouvelle Edition.
Paris: [Pierre Prault], 1734.
First edition, first issue of one of the greatest French illustrated books of the first half of the eighteenth century. First issue with "Comteese" in vol. VI, p. 360, line 12. Quarto, six volumes bound in full calf with gilt titles and ruling to the spine in six compartments within raised bands, morocco spine labels lettered in gilt. Illustrated with 33 engraved plates by Laurent Cars after François Boucher, engraved frontispiece portrait of Molière by Nicolas-Bernard Lépicié after Charles-Antoine Coypel, 210 engraved head and tailpieces, and 104 engraved initials by Joullain and Cars after Boucher, Blondel and Oppenord. In near…
Price: $9,500.00 Item Number: 130224
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"The foundation of modern Latin lexicography": Rare 1740 edition of Robert Estienne's Thesaurus linguae latinae
STEPHANI, Roberti. [Robert Estienne].
Lexicographorum Principis Thesaurus Linguae Latinae in IV. Tomos Divisus.
Basileae: Typis & Impensis E. & J.R. Thurnisiorum, 1740.
Rare 1740 edition of Robert Estienne's "greatest monument of Latin scholarship", his Thesaurus Linguae Latinae. Folio, four volumes bound in full vellum with spine labels decorated and titled in gilt, woodcut printer's device portrait of Estienne to each title page. In very good condition.
Price: $1,250.00 Item Number: 115020
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Rare early printing on Cervantes' masterpiece Don Quixote; with numerous illustrations after the drawings of renowned royal painter Antoine Coypel
CERVANTES SAAVEDRA, Miguel de.
Vida Y Hechos Del Ingenioso Hidalgo Don Quixote De La Mancha: Con Muy Bellas Estampas Gravadas Sobre Los Dibujos de Coypel, Primer Pinto de el Rey de Francia.
En Haia [The Hague]: Por P. Gosse y A. Moetjens, 1744.
Rare early printing and one of the most highly coveted editions of Cervantes' masterpiece. Octavo, 4 volumes, bound in full calf, gilt titles and elaborate gilt tooling to the spine, burgundy spine labels, triple gilt ruled, marbled endpapers, all edges red, ribbons bound in, with numerous engravings after the drawings of Antoine Coypel, renowned for the paintings he produced for King Louis XIV of France including those decorating the ceiling of the Royal chapel at Versailles. In near fine condition. An exceptional example.
Price: $8,800.00 Item Number: 92807
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“There is one English Poem, the title whereof is Hudibras" (Voltaire) Samuel Butler's Hudibras; with 16 engraved plates by J. Mynde after William Hogarth
BUTLER, Samuel.
Hudibras, In Three Parts, Written in the Time of The Late Wars: Corrected and Amended. With Large Annotations, and a Preface, by Zachary Grey, L.L.D. Adorn’d with a new Set of Cuts.
Cambridge: Printed by J. Bentham, Printer to the University, for W. Innys, A. Ward, Mess. J. and P. Knapton, D. Browne, S. Birt, et al, 1744.
18th century large annotated edition of Butler's acclaimed mock romance, the "best edition" according to Lowndes. Octavo, two volumes bound in full calf with red morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, gilt turn-ins illustrated with 16 engraved plates by J. Mynde after William Hogarth including frontispiece portrait of Butler to Vol. I., errata, index, and list of subscribers. In very good condition. Rebacked. Bookplates and ownership inscriptions. Exceptionally clean internally.
Price: $375.00 Item Number: 130125
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"The most ambitious attempt in the latter half of the eighteenth century to document the lives of notable British men and women": First edition of the Biographia Britannica
EDITED BY WILLIAM OLDYS,.
Biographia Britannica: Or, the Lives of the Most Eminent Persons Who Have Flourished In Great Britain and Ireland, From the Earliest Ages, Down to the Present Times: Collected from the Best Authorities, both Printed an Manuscript, and Digested in a Manner of Mr. Bayle’s Historical and Critical Dictionary.
London: Printed for W. Innys, W. Meadows, J. Walthoe, T. Cox, A. Ward, J. and P. Knapton, T. Osborne, et al, 1747.
First edition of the Biographia Britannica. Folio, 7 volumes bound in contemporary full calf with morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, gilt tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised bands, engraved headpieces and tailpieces. In very good condition. Armorial bookplates to the pastedowns.
Price: $1,350.00 Item Number: 114752
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First edition of Henry Fielding's The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling
FIELDING, Henry.
The History of Tom Jones, A Foundling.
London: Printed for A. Millar, 1749.
First edition, first issue of one of the most influential English novels, one only 2,000 copies printed. Octavo, bound in full contemporary polished calf with gilt titles and tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised bands, double gilt ruling to the front and rear panels. First issued with the errata leaf present in the first volume and errata uncorrected throughout the text. In good condition. Small bookplates. Each volume house in a custom half morocco and folding chemise slipcase.
Price: $7,800.00 Item Number: 139551
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"A good countenance is a letter of recommendation": FIRST EDITION OF TOM JONES; FINELY BOUND BY BAYNTUN
FIELDING, Henry.
The History of Tom Jones, A Foundling.
London: Printed for A. Millar, 1749.
First edition, first issue, one of a first printing run of only 2,000 copies with errata leaf in volume one, the errata uncorrected, and all cancels and final blanks, K12 in volume one and R12 in volume three (Rothschild 850). Octavo, 6 volumes, bound in full crushed morocco by Bayntun, red and black morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, raised bands, blind-stamped inner dentelles. A very nice set of first editions, finely bound by Bayntun.
Price: $7,200.00 Item Number: 3894
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FIRST EDITION OF HENRY FIELDING'S THE HISTORY OF TOM JONES, A FOUNDLING
FIELDING, Henry.
The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, in Six Volumes.
London: Printed for A. Millar, 1749.
First edition, first issue of one of the most influential English novels, one only 2,000 copies printed. Octavo, bound in full contemporary mottled calf with gilt ruling to the spine in six compartments within raised bands, morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, double gilt ruling to the front and rear panels. Armorial bookplates. In very good condition.
Price: $7,500.00 Item Number: 140220
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The Works of Jonathan Swifts's Finely Bound
SWIFT, Jonathan .
The Works of Jonathan Swift: Including, Gulliver’s Travels.
London: Various Publishers, 1751-67.
Finely bound volumes of the works of Jonathan Swift. Octavo, 19 volumes, bound in contemporary calf, red morocco spine labels, gilt titles to the spine. In near fine condition, with the Cornwell House ink stamp to front free endpaper. A very sharp set.
Price: $4,000.00 Item Number: 140938
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"one of the most significant works of religious English literature": Rare and unique sammelband collection of early printings of John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress
BUNYAN, John.
The Pilgrim’s Progress From This World To That Which is to Come: Deliver’d under the Similitude of a Dream: Wherein is Discover’d The Manner of his Setting out, His Dangerous Journey, and Safe Arrival at the Desired Country.
London: Printed for A.W. for W. Johnston, at the Golden-Ball, in St. Paul's Church-Yard, 1752-1755.
Rare twenty-eighth edition of one of the most significant works of religious English literature, bound with a twentieth edition of its second part, a sixteenth edition of its third part, and The Life and Death of Mr. John Bunyan. 12mo, bound in full calf with gilt ruling to the spine in six compartments within raised bands, crimson morocco spine label lettered in gilt, engraved frontispiece, illustrated with woodcuts. Bound with a twentieth edition of The Pilgrim's Progress From This World to That which is to Come: The Second Part. Delivered under the Similitude of a Dream: Wherein is set forth…
Price: $850.00 Item Number: 145684
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Rare complete set of Nuovo Teatro Comico Dell'Avvocato Carlo Goldoni
GOLDONI, Carlo.
Nuovo Teatro Comico Dell’Avvocato Carlo Goldoni Poeta Di S. A. R. Il Serenissimo Infante di Spagna Don Filippo Duca Di Parma, Piacenza, Guastalla, ec. [New Comic Theater of the Lawyer Carlo Goldoni].
Venezi: Francesco Pitteri, 1753-1755.
Rare complete set of Pitteri's 1757 printing of Goldoni's works of comic theater. Octavo, ten volumes bound in full vellum with gilt tooling to the spine, engraved frontispiece portrait of Goldoni by Pitteri after Piazetta. In good condition. Armorial bookplates. A rare complete set of this scarce printing published during the author's lifetime.
Price: $2,000.00 Item Number: 129035
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Rare First corrected Florentine edition of Goldoni's Le Commedie
GOLDONI, Carlo.
Le Commedie Del Dottore Carlo Goldoni Avvocato Veneziano Fra Gli Arcadi Polisseno Fegejo Prima Edizione Fiorentina Dell’ Autore correta, riveduta, ed ampliata.
Firenze: Eredi Paperini, 1753-1755.
First corrected Florentine edition of Goldoni's comedic works. Octavo, 12 volumes, bound in full vellum, frontispiece portrait of Goldoni by Pitteri after Piazetta. In good condition. Armorial bookplates and ownership inscription. A rare set published during Goldoni's lifetime.
Price: $2,800.00 Item Number: 129344
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"One of the most splendid editions of Homer ever delivered to the World": First edition of the Foulis Homer
HOMER,.
Homeri Opera. [The Iliad and Odyssey of Homer].
Glasgow: Robert & Andrew Foulis, 1756-1758.
First edition of the Foulis Homer; the typographic masterpiece of the Foulis Press, and one of the finest editions of Homer. Folio, 4 volumes bound in full tree calf, rebacked with gilt titles and Greek key ruling to the spine, morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, Greek key ruling to the front and rear panels, text in Greek. Vols. I and II lacking the half-titles as usual. Provenance: John Hope (1868-1936) with his stamp to the title pages. Ownership signatures of Henry Schwab. In very good condition. Housed in a custom slipcase. An excellent example of this typographic gem.
Price: $8,800.00 Item Number: 143357
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The Fairy Queen; Bound In Full Contemporary Calf
SPENSER, Edmund.
The Fairy Queen. With a Glossary, Explaining the Old and Obscure Words.
London: J. and R. Tonson, 1758.
Finely bound edition of this classic work. Octavo, 2 volumes, bound in full calf, gilt titles and tooling to the spine, raised bands, with nine full page engraved plates by Louis du Geurnier. In very good condition, with the ownership signature on title page of a W. A. Watson and occasional marginalia, rebacked. A very sharp example.
Price: $975.00 Item Number: 144293
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"The availability of books is not the same as reading them, nor reading the same as understanding them": Laurence Sterne’s Masterpiece The Life and Opinions of Tristam Shandy; signed by Laurence Sterne in volumes V, VII, and IX
STERNE, Laurence.
The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman.
London: Printed for R. and J. Dodsley, 1760-1767.
First and mixed editions of all nine volumes of one of the greatest comic novels in the English language, signed by Laurence Sterne in volumes V, VII, and IX as called for. Small octavo, nine volumes bound into five in full contemporary calf with elaborate gilt tooling and morocco spine labels lettered in gilt to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, double gilt ruling to the front and rear panels, gilt turn-ins and inner dentelles, engraved frontispieces after Hogarth to volumes I and III, half-titles in volumes V, VII and IX (as called for). Signed by the…
Price: $6,000.00 Item Number: 144538
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Finely Bound Example of Claudii Claudiani Opera
CLAUDIUS CLAUDIANUS; NICOLAAS HEINSIUS; L'ANCIEN PIETER BURMAN,.
Claudii Claudiani Opera, Quae Exstant, Omnia Ad Membranarum Veterum Fidem Castigata.
Amstelaedami: Ex Officina Schouteniana, 1760.
Quarto, original vellum, gilt tooling and stamping to the front and rear panels and spine. In very good condition.
Price: $500.00 Item Number: 2821
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Rare eighteenth century Italian printing of Goldoni's Commedie
GOLDONI, Carlo.
Delle Commedie Del Signor Carlo Goldoni Avvocato Veneto. Pere servire di continuazione al Nuovo Teatro Comico Del Medesimo Autore.
Bologna: A. S. Tommaso d'Aquino, 1762-1765.
Rare eighteenth century Italian printing of Goldoni's Commedie. Octavo, two volumes bound in full vellum. In good condition. A rare printing published during Goldoni's lifetime.
Price: $975.00 Item Number: 129022
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Rare First Edition of the First Complete English Translation of The Dialogues of Plato; Signed by Translator Floyer Sydenham
PLATO; TRANSLATED BY FLOYER SYDENHAM,.
Plato’s Dialogues.
London: W. Sandby, 1767-1779.
First edition set contains all eleven parts, although without all the individual dated titles. Part one is signed on the dedication page by the translator Floyer Sydenham as usual, and includes a sheet laid in with manuscript instructions to the binder. Quarto, three volumes, bound in contemporary full calf, armorial bookplate. Dated title pages in volumes one and two, each of eleven parts with undated flytitle and dedication leaf, Lesser Hippias and Dissertation both with additional dated part title, ad leaves at beginning of volume one and after The Banquet, as well "proposal" leaf, errata slip in volume three (a…
Price: $15,000.00 Item Number: 140464
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“But what was more admirable in Babylon, and eclipsed every thing else, was the only daughter of the king, named Formosanta": First Edition of Voltaire's The Princess of Babylon
VOLTAIRE (AROUET, François-Marie).
Voyages et Aventures d’une Princesse Babylonienne [The Princess of Babylon].
Geneve: 1768.
First edition of one of Voltaire's best-known works of prose. Octavo, original full period calf, gilt titles to the spine, red morocco spine label, raised bands, marbled endpapers. In good condition. Rare and desirable.
Price: $1,850.00 Item Number: 82403
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“HAS EXERCISED AN INFLUENCE UPON THE HUMAN MIND GREATER THAN THAT OF ANY OTHER WORK EXCEPT THE BIBLE”: Rare and Important Edition of The Elements of Geometry
EUCLID,.
The Elements of Geometry.
Dublin: Alexander M'Culloch, 1770.
Rare first printing of this edition of this landmark work. Octavo, bound in full contemporary calf. Edited by Joseph Fenn. In very good condition with the ownership signature of John P. Montgomery to the endpaper, also Robert M. Riddle, who was the mayor of Pittsburgh from 1853-54, small piece missing from the title page. Rare and desirable.
Price: $2,000.00 Item Number: 140908
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Rare finely bound 18th century Book of common prayer
The Book of Common Prayer, and Administration of the Sacraments, and Other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church, According to the Use of the Church of England: Together with the Psalter or Psalms of David, Pointed as they are to be sung or said in Churches.
Cambridge: Printed by John Archdeacon, 1771.
Rare 18th century Book of Common Prayer. Small octavo, bound in full contemporary calf tie gilt tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised bands, double gilt ruing and cornerpieces to the front and rear panels, all edges gilt, marbled endpapers. In very good condition. Ownership inscriptions. Desirable in a contemporary binding.
Price: $975.00 Item Number: 118145
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Voltaire's Vie de Moliere; finely bound
VOLTAIRE (AROUET, François-Marie).
Vie de Moliere.
Lausanne: Chez Francois Grasset & Comp, 1772.
Early edition of Voltaire's biography of one of the most influential and widely translated writers of all time. Octavo, bound in full sprinkled sheepskin. Gilt titles and tooling to the spine, pictorial endpapers, all edges red, ribbon bound in. In very good condition with some rubbing to the extremities. Tasteful period bookplate.
Price: $350.00 Item Number: 95126
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Rare 18th century Venetian printing of La Vittoria D'Amore
[GOZZI, Gasparo].
La Vittoria D’Amore Poema. Pubblicato In Occasione de Gloriosi Sponsali Dell’ Eccellenze Loro Il Signor Cavaliere Francesco Morosini P. e la Nobil Donna Loredana Grimani. [The Victory Of Love Poem].
Venezia: Presso Modesto Fenzo, 1772.
Rare 18th century Venetian printing of La Vittoria D'Amore. Quarto, bound in hand painted paper-covered wrappers, illustrated with engravings including frontispiece. In near fine condition. Small bookplate.
Price: $3,000.00 Item Number: 130905
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First edition of Eugenia Stanhope's Letters Written by the Late Right Honourable Philip Dormer Stanhope; from the library of Sir Edwyn Francis Stanhope
STANHOPE, Eugenia.
Letters Written by the Late Right Honourable Philip Dormer Stanhope, Earl of Chesterfield, to His Son, Philip Stanhope, Esq; Together with Several Other Pieces on Various Subjects.
London: Printed for J. Dodsley, 1774.
First edition of one of the great classics of English letters. Quarto, period quarter calf over marbled boards with morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, engraved portrait frontispiece. Second state of volume one, page 55 (line 16 corrected to "qui auroit"). From the library of Sir Edwyn Francis Stanhope with his bookplate to the pastedown of each volume. Sir Edwyn Francis Stanhope, 2nd Baronet (1793 -1874), was the only son of Sir Henry Edwyn Stanhope, 1st Baronet of Stanwell, a distinguished naval commander, and Margaret (Peggy), daughter of Francis Malbone Esq. of Newport, Rhode Island, U.S.A. Stanhope served as a…
Price: $1,500.00 Item Number: 141377
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“Trust that man in nothing who has not a conscience in everything": Finely Bound Set of The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy
STERNE, Laurence.
The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy.
London: T. Becket, 1777.
Finely bound set of Sterne's Tristram Shandy. Octavo, 6 volumes, bound in contemporary full polished brown calf, black morocco spine labels, smooth spines with gilt rules and decorations, marbled endpapers. Frontispiece in volume one after Hogarth. In near fine condition.
Price: $950.00 Item Number: 89417
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St. Francis de Sales' Divotissimi Exercizi di Preparazione; In an exceptional contemporary binding
ST. FRANCIS DE SALES [S. FRANCESCO DI SALES],.
Divotissimi Exercizi di Preparazione, e di ringraziamento da praticarii avanti e dopo la santa confessione.
Venizia: Pietro Savioni, 1777.
Finely bound example in contemporary full calf, 12 mo, engraved portrait frontispiece, all edges gilt. This is a 17th century work on devotional exercises by St. Francis de Sales, who is best known for his 1609 "Introduction to the Devout Life," regarded by Catholics as a classic that ranks with "The Imitation of Christ."
Price: $1,250.00 Item Number: 129193
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The Works of Jonathan Swifts's From the Library of Founding Father Robert R. Livingstone
SWIFT, Jonathan [Robert R. Livingstone].
The Works of Jonathan Swift: Including, Gulliver’s Travels.
Edinburgh: Printed by Mrs. Mundell, 1778.
First of 4 issues, Scotch editions, from the library of Robert R. Livingstone, with his bookplate to the pastedown of each volume. Small octavo, bound in contemporary calf, spine compartments ruled with Greek key tooling, morocco spine labels. From the library of founding father Robert R. Livingston. As one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, Livingston played an important role in the early development of the newly formed country. He was known as "The Chancellor", after the high New York state legal office he held for 25 years. He was a member of the Committee of Five that drafted the Declaration of Independence, along with Thomas…
Price: $15,000.00 Item Number: 119642
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“I know who I am and who I may be, if I choose": Deluxe illustrated Ibarra Edition of Don Quixote
CERVANTES SAAVEDRA, Miguel de .
El Ingenioso Hidalgo Don Quixote de la Mancha: Nueva Edicion, Corregida Por La Real Academia Española.
Madrid: Don Joaquin Ibarra, 1780.
The deluxe illustrated Ibarra edition of Cervantes' masterpiece. Quartos, 4 volumes. Bound in full 19th century green morocco with central motif and cornerpieces stamped in blind to the panels, gilt titles and tooling to the spine, elaborate double-ruled gilt borders, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt, engraved frontispiece to each volume and 31 engraved plates throughout, 2-page folding engraved map of Don Quixote's travels to the rear of volume 1. Spanish printer Joaquín Ibarra made several important technical developments in press printing, book-making, typography and paper-making. In his printed work, Ibarra sought to achieve a perfect flow of harmonious type, inks, illustration,…
Price: $22,000.00 Item Number: 97654
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“I know who I am and who I may be, if I choose": Deluxe illustrated Ibarra Edition of Don Quixote
CERVANTES SAAVEDRA, Miguel de.
El Ingenioso Hidalgo Don Quixote de la Mancha: Nueva Edicion, Corregida Por La Real Academia Española.
Madrid: Don Joaquin Ibarra, 1780.
The deluxe illustrated Ibarra edition of Cervantes' masterpiece "which is to Spanish literature what Shakespeare is to English" (Bloom). Quartos, 4 volumes. Bound in full contemporary Spanish tree calf with gilt titles and tooling to the spine, red and black morocco spine labels, elaborate double gilt-ruled borders, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt, engraved frontispiece to each volume and 31 engraved plates throughout, 2-page folding engraved map of Don Quixote's travels to the rear of volume 1. Spanish printer Joaquín Ibarra made several important technical developments in press printing, book-making, typography and paper-making. In his printed work, Ibarra sought to achieve a…
Price: $22,000.00 Item Number: 96554
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“I know who I am and who I may be, if I choose": Deluxe illustrated Ibarra Edition of Don Quixote
CERVANTES SAAVEDRA, Miguel de .
El Ingenioso Hidalgo Don Quixote de la Mancha: Nueva Edicion, Corregida Por La Real Academia Española.
Madrid: Don Joaquin Ibarra, 1780.
The deluxe illustrated Ibarra edition of Cervantes' masterpiece "which is to Spanish literature what Shakespeare is to English" (Bloom). Quartos, 4 volumes. Bound in full contemporary Spanish tree calf with gilt titles and tooling to the spine, red morocco spine labels, gilt ruled borders, marbled endpapers, all edges green, engraved frontispiece to each volume and 31 engraved plates throughout, 2-page folding engraved map of Don Quixote's travels to the rear of volume 1. Spanish printer Joaquín Ibarra made several important technical developments in press printing, book-making, typography and paper-making. In his printed work, Ibarra sought to achieve a perfect flow of…
Price: $20,000.00 Item Number: 96763
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First edition of The Poetical Works of John Scott; finely bound in full mottled calf
SCOTT, John.
The Poetical Works of John Scott Esq.
London: Printed for J. Buckland, 1782.
First edition of John Scott's collected poems. Octavo, bound in full mottled calf with elaborate gilt tooling to the spine, morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, gilt turn-ins and inner dentelles, marbled endpapers, top edge gilt, illustrated with 14 engravings including 2 by William Blake, engraved frontispiece and pictorial title page, rebacked. In very good condition. Small bookplate.
Price: $375.00 Item Number: 137227
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Rare First Edition in English of The Confessions of Jean-Jacques Rousseau
ROUSSEAU, Jean-Jacques.
The Confessions of J. J. Rousseau: With the Reveries of the Solitary Walker.
London: Printed for J. Bew, 1783.
Rare first edition in English of the author's classic work. 12mo, 2 volumes, bound in full contemporary marbled calfskin. In very good condition, bookplate. Housed in a custom folding case.
Price: $4,000.00 Item Number: 144141
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“Talk sense to a fool and he calls you foolish": The Translator's Own Copy of the First Edition of The Tragedies of Euripides
EURIPIDES; TRANSLATED BY ROBERT POTTER,.
The Tragedies of Euripides.
London: J. Dodsley, 1783.
First translation of Euripides into English, translated by Robert Potter, from his own library. Octavo, two volumes, bound in contemporary leather, engraved frontispiece to volume I, list of subscribers. The translator's own copy with his inscription, "From the Library of the Rev Robert Potter, M.A., Rector of Lowestoft from 1789 to 1804" to volume one of the front pastedown. Robert Potter was a poet and translator, completed his translation of Euripides in 1783. He established the convention of using blank verse for Greek hexameters and rhymed verse for choruses. In good condition. Rare and desirable, with exceptional provenance.
Price: $2,200.00 Item Number: 135391
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"A Work Calculated to Promote the Protestant Religion By Giving a Pious and Christian Turn to the Mind": The Vicar of Oakley's Improved Edition of Foxe's Book of Martyrs embellished with copious illustrations
FOXE, John. [Wright.
The New and Complete Book of Martyrs, or, An Universal History of Martyrdom: Being Fox’s Book of Martyrs.
London: Printed for Alex Hogg, 1784.
Folio, bound in full brown calf, gilt title and tooling to the spine, front and rear panel, raised bands. Engraved frontispiece, copiously illustrated with engravings throughout. In very good condition with some spotting.
Price: $2,200.00 Item Number: 54022
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"Experience is the teacher of all things": Commentaires de César, avec des Notes Historiques, Critiques et Militaires
CAESAR, Gaius Julius.
Commentaires de César, avec des Notes Historiques, Critiques et Militaires [Caesar’s Comments, with Historical, Critical and Military Notes].
Paris: A Montargis, 1785.
First edition edited and translated by Lancelot Turpin de Crissé. Quarto, three volumes, bound in full contemporary calf, morocco spine labels, gilt titles to the spine, engraved title pages, two portraits and 40 folding plates, inner dentelles, marbled endpapers. In near fine condition. An exceptional example.
Price: $2,500.00 Item Number: 104356
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rare First Worcester edition of The History of Little Goody Twoshoes
[GOLDSMITH, Oliver].
The History of Little Good Twoshoes; Otherwise Called Mrs. Margery Twoshoes.
Worcester, Massachusetts: Isaiah Thomas, 1787.
First Worcester edition of the famed fable. 16mo, original wrappers, illustrated with 8 engraved plates, terminal advertisements. In very good condition. From the library of noted collector and philanthropist Estelle Doheny with her bookplate to the folding chemise case. Housed in a custom full morocco and folding chemise case.
Price: $8,200.00 Item Number: 133024
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William Hayley's The Triumphs of Temper
HAYLEY, William.
The Triumphs of Temper; A Poem: In Six Cantos.
London: Printed For T. Cadell, 1788.
Finely bound sixth edition of Hayley's popular work. 16mo, bound in full contemporary calf, elaborate gilt tooling to the spine, morocco spine label lettered in gilt, double gilt ruling to the front and rear panel, gilt-ruled turn ins, marbled endpapers, illustrated with fine engraved plates by Stothard. Elegant period ownership inscriptions.
Price: $200.00 Item Number: 138374
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First edition of A Collection of Poems, Mostly Original, by Several Hands; finely bound in full calf
GOLDSMITH, Oliver; Edmund Burke; Sir H. Walpole; et al.
A Collection of Poems, Mostly Original, by Several Hands.
Dublin: Printed for the Editor by M. Graisberry, 1789.
First edition of this rare collection of early English literature. Octavo, bound in full calf, elaborate gilt tooling to the spine, morocco spine label lettered in gilt, marbled endpapers, ribbon bound in, illustrated with engraved vignettes, lists of subscribers. In near fine condition. An attractive binding.
Price: $1,500.00 Item Number: 137226
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Eighteenth century example of Milton's masterpiece, Paradise Lost: A Poem in Twelve Books and Paradise Regain'd. To which is added Samson Agonistes: And Poems upon Several Occasions; Finely Bound
MILTON, John with Notes by Thomas Newton.
Paradise Lost: A Poem in Twelve Books and Paradise Regain’d. To which is added Samson Agonistes: And Poems upon Several Occasions.
London: Printed for J.F. and C. Rivington et al, 1790.
Eighteenth century example of Milton's masterpiece, Paradise Lost: A Poem in Twelve Books and Paradise Regain'd. Octavo, 4 volumes bound in full contemporary tree calf, gilt titles and tooling to the spine red morocco spine labels, gilt ruled, marbled endpapers, ribbons bound in, all edges speckled brown, engraved frontispiece to two volumes. In near fine condition. A desirable example.
Price: $1,400.00 Item Number: 95361
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“Now, now my good man, this is no time to be making enemies":; First Portuguese edition of Voltaire's Tragedies: Sofonisba, Mariamne, and Orestes
VOLTAIRE (AROUET, François-Marie).
Sofonisba, Mariamne, Orestes: Tragedia de Mr. de Voltaire: Traduzida Em Portuguez.
Lisboa: Na Officina de Simao Thaddeo Ferreira, 1790.
First Portuguese edition of Voltaire's three tragedies translated into Portuguese. Octavo, bound in full period calf, gilt titles and tooling to the spine, red spine label, marbled endpapers. In near fine condition. A nice example.
Price: $750.00 Item Number: 88112
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Rare First Edition of William Bligh's A Narrative of the Mutiny on Board His Majesty's Ship Bounty; in the rare original boards
BLIGH, Lieutenant William.
A Narrative of the Mutiny on Board His Majesty’s Ship Bounty; and the Subsequent Voyage of Part of the Crew, In the Ships Boat from Tofua, one of the Friendly Islands, To Timor, Dutch Settlement in the East Indies.
London: Printed for George Nicol, 1790.
First edition of Bligh's firsthand account of "one of the most remarkable incidents in the whole of maritime history [which ultimately absolved him] from any blame that might be levelled against him because of the incident" (Hill). Quarto, original boards, lacking the spine, engraved folding plan "A copy of the draft from which the Bounty's launch was built", three engraved folding charts J. Walker after W. Harrison. In good condition. Scarce in the original boards.
Price: $9,200.00 Item Number: 109832
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"the most celebrated biography in the English language": Rare First Edition, First Issue of Boswell's The Life of Johnson
BOSWELL, James.
The Life of Johnson.
London: Printed by Henry Baldwin, for Charles Dilly, in The Poultry, 1791.
First edition, first issue of both volumes of the most celebrated biography in the English language, which was published on May 16, 1791 in a print run of only 1,750 copies. Quarto, bound in full calf, gilt titles to the spine, morocco spine labels. Frontispiece portrait of Samuel Johnson, engraved by J. Heath after the Sir Joshua Reynolds (1756) painting. In very good condition. An excellent example of this landmark work.
Price: $15,000.00 Item Number: 124524