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].

SWIFT, Jonathan.

Item Number: 117068

London: Benjamin Motte, 1727.

First edition, early printing of Swift’s masterpiece. Octavo, two volumes bound in full contemporary calf with red morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, gilt tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, double gilt ruling and miniature fleuron cornerpieces to the front and rear panels, all edges speckled red, engraved headpieces and tailpieces, illustrated with 5 copper-engraved maps & 5 copper-engraved plates. This edition was printed before the stated “second edition” but published after it, early in 1728, though dated 1727. Each of the 4 parts had a separate title-page, though that to part 3 (leaf A4 of Vol. II); the separate titles for parts 2 and 3 were misdated MDCXXVII, and that to part 2 is so dated. Some copies were issued with a portrait of Gulliver, but there are no signs that there was ever one in this example (Teerink-Scouten 294). In near fine condition. An attractive example, desirable in a contemporary binding.

Jonathan Swift's masterpiece will "last as long as the language, because it describes the vices of man in all nations" (DNB). "A remarkable feat in the creation of imaginary worlds as a vehicle for satire upon the political and religious establishments of the day" (Clute & Grant, 914). "Gulliver's Travels has given Swift an immortality beyond temporary fame". For every edition designed for the reader with an eye to the historical background, 20 have appeared, abridged or adapted, for readers who care nothing for the satire and enjoy it as a first-class story" (PMM 185). "Of all Swift's writings it best shows the merits of his mind and his gifts of expression". It is important to realize that it could be written only by one who had the highest ideals for human achievement and who despaired of the achieving" (Baugh et al., 865-66)""although Swift himself expressed this hope for his "Travells" to a friend: "They are admirable Things, and will wonderfully mend the world" (Rothschild 2104).