Calmet, Antoine Augustin. Translated by Giovanni Domenico Mansi

Dictionarium Historicum, Criticum, Chronologicum, Geographicum, et Literale Sacrae Scripturae, Cum figuris Antiquitates Judaicas repraesentantibus Authore R.P.D. Augustino Calmet Ordinis S. Benedicti Abbate, E Gallico in Latinum translatum A Joanne Dominico Mansi, Congregationis Matris Dei, Lucensi.

Venetiis : Apud Sebastianum Coleti, 1757.

Second Venetian edition of Giovanni Domenico Mansi’s Latin translation of Antoine Augustin Calmet’s dictionary of the Holy Scriptures, perhaps the most famous and meticulous exegetical, historical and geographical dictionary of the Holy Scriptures produced. Folio, 2 volumes bound in full vellum with morocco spine labels, all edges speckled red, elaborately illustrated with full-page woodcut engravings,Continue reading "Dictionarium Historicum, Criticum, Chronologicum, Geographicum, et Literale Sacrae Scripturae, Cum figuris Antiquitates Judaicas repraesentantibus Authore R.P.D. Augustino Calmet Ordinis S. Benedicti Abbate, E Gallico in Latinum translatum A Joanne Dominico Mansi, Congregationis Matris Dei, Lucensi."

Cervantes, Miguel de

Vida Y Hechos del Ingeniso Hidalgo Don Quixote de la Mancha.

Tarragona : Joseph Barber, 1757.

Eighteenth century finely bound example of Cervantes’ masterpiece “which is to Spanish literature what Shakespeare is to English” (Bloom). Duodecimo, four volumes, bound in full uniform contemporary limp parchment, woodcut title page vignettes, illustrated with woodcuts throughout. In very good condition. Housed in two custom board book boxes with morocco spine fronts. Ownership inscriptions toContinue reading "Vida Y Hechos del Ingeniso Hidalgo Don Quixote de la Mancha."

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 veryContinue reading "The Fairy Queen. With a Glossary, Explaining the Old and Obscure Words."

Edwards, Jonathan

The Great Christian Doctrine of Original Sin Defended.

Boston : S. Kneeland, 1758.

First edition of this important work by the famed theologian. Octavo, bound in contemporary calf. In very good condition, contemporary names to the front free endpaper. First editions are rare.

Smith, Adam

The Theory of Moral Sentiments.

London : For A. Milar, and A. Kincaid and J. Bell , 1759.

Rare first edition of Adam Smith’s first book, with a recorded “print run of 1,000 copies” (Sher, “Editions of Adam’s Smith’s Books,” 13). Octavo, bound in full calf, gilt titles and tooling to the spine, front and rear panels, morocco spine label, marbled endpapers. In near fine condition. Housed in a custom full calf clamshellContinue reading "The Theory of Moral Sentiments."

Verney, Luis Antonio (el Barbadino)

Verdadero método de estudiar, para ser util a la Republica y la Iglesia, proporcionado al estilo, y necessidad de Portugal, expuesto en varias cartas, escrito en idioma Portugués.

Madrid : Joachin Ibarra, 1760.

Rare complete edition in Spanish published by the great Ibarra in Madrid. Octavo, original vellum, 4 volumes. Many of the OCLC citations are for single volumes. This set, the author’s most famous work, was first published in Valenca in 1746. Verney’s royalist orientation is seen even in the title, where behavior and study are toContinue reading "Verdadero método de estudiar, para ser util a la Republica y la Iglesia, proporcionado al estilo, y necessidad de Portugal, expuesto en varias cartas, escrito en idioma Portugués."

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.

Cambridge, Richard Owen [Benjamin Franklin]

An Account of the War in India, Between the English and French, on the Coast of Coromandel, From the Year 1760. Together with A Relation of the late Remarkable Events on the Malabar Coast, and the Expeditions to Golconda and Surat; with the Operations of the Fleet. Illustrated with Maps, Plans &c. The Whole Compiled from Original Papers.

London : Printed for T. Jefferys, 1761.

Benjamin Franklin’s first edition copy of Cambridge’s account of the progression of the Seven Years’ War in India, from Franklin’s private library. Quarto, bound in full contemporary calf, marbled endpapers, illustrated with 12 engraved maps and plans and 6 plates, mostly folding. From the private library of Benjamin Franklin. Franklin’s contributions to science and politicsContinue reading "An Account of the War in India, Between the English and French, on the Coast of Coromandel, From the Year 1760. Together with A Relation of the late Remarkable Events on the Malabar Coast, and the Expeditions to Golconda and Surat; with the Operations of the Fleet. Illustrated with Maps, Plans &c. The Whole Compiled from Original Papers."

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.

Rousseau, Jean-Jacques

Principes Du Droit Politique. [Du Contrat Social].

Amsterdam : Marc Michel Rey, 1762.

Rare first edition, type B, of Rousseau‘s greatest work. Octavo, bound in full contemporary sheepskin, gilt tooling to the spine in eight compartments within raised bands, burgundy morocco spine label lettered in gilt, stamped turn-ins, marbled endpapers, engraved vignette of Liberty to the title page by Boily after Bolomey, all edges red, ribbon bound in.Continue reading "Principes Du Droit Politique. [Du Contrat Social]."

Rousseau, Jean-Jacques

A Treatise on the Social Compact: or The Principles of Politic Law.

London : Printed for T. Becket and P.A. De Hondt, in the Strand, 1764.

First edition in English of Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s magnum opus; a seminal treatise on political philosophy and precursor of the French revolution. Twelvemo, bound in full contemporary calf with gilt titles and tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, triple gilt ruling to the front andContinue reading "A Treatise on the Social Compact: or The Principles of Politic Law."

Goldsmith, Oliver

Essays by Mr. Goldsmith.

London : Printed for W. Griffin, in Fetter-Lane, 1765.

First edition of the collected essays of Oliver Goldsmith which paid the author a profit of only 20 guineas but greatly extended his reputation. Octavo, bound in full contemporary calf, rebacked retaining the contemporary spine label, copperplate vignette to the title page. One of two 1765 editions; Scott argues for the priority of this cheaperContinue reading "Essays by Mr. Goldsmith."

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 inContinue reading "Plato’s Dialogues."

Crantz, David

The History of Greenland: Containing a Description of the Country, and Its Inhabitants.

London : Printed for the Brethren's Society, 1767.

First edition in English of Crantz’s elaborate account of the history of Greenland. first published in German in 1765. Octavo, two volumes bound in full period-style full speckled calf with morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, gilt stamping to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, illustrated with two folding maps and sevenContinue reading "The History of Greenland: Containing a Description of the Country, and Its Inhabitants."

Sarmiento de Gamboa, Pedro

Viage al Estrecho de Magallanes Por el Capitan Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa En los anos de 1579. y 1580.

Madrid : En la Imprenta Real de la Gazeta, 1768.

Rare first edition of Sarmiento’s account of his 1579–1580 survey of the Straits of Magellan. Octavo, bound in full contemporary marbled calf with gilt tooling to the spine, morocco spine label lettered in gilt, marbled endpapers, all edges speckled red, illustrated with 3 folding views. Headland 35. Hill 267. Sabin 77094. Stamp of Jose JimenezContinue reading "Viage al Estrecho de Magallanes Por el Capitan Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa En los anos de 1579. y 1580."

Franklin, Benjamin

Experiments and Observations on Electricity, Made at Philadelphia in America, by Benjamin Franklin, L.L.D. and F.R.S. To which are added, Letters and Papers on Philosophical Subjects. The Whole corrected, methodized, improved, and now first collected into one Volume, and Illustrated with Copper Plates.

London : Printed for David Henry; and sold by Francis Newbery, at the Corner of St. Paul's Church-Yard, 1769.

First complete edition of “the most important scientific book of eighteenth-century America” (PMM), inscribed by Benjamin Franklin to prominent Pennsylvania Quaker and merchant Thomas Livezey, Jr. Quarto, bound in full contemporary calf with elaborate gilt tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, morocco spine label lettered in gilt, gilt turn-ins. IllustratedContinue reading "Experiments and Observations on Electricity, Made at Philadelphia in America, by Benjamin Franklin, L.L.D. and F.R.S. To which are added, Letters and Papers on Philosophical Subjects. The Whole corrected, methodized, improved, and now first collected into one Volume, and Illustrated with Copper Plates."

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.

Boyle, Robert

The Works of the Honourable Robert Boyle. In Six Volumes to which is prefixed The Life of the Author.

London : Printed for J. and F. Rivington, L. Davis, E. Johnston, S. Crowder, et al., 1772.

New edition of the complete works of the first modern chemist and pioneer in modern experimental scientific method. Quarto, six volumes, bound in full calf with gilt titles and tooling to the spine, red morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, marbled endpapers, illustrated with 24 engraved plates (most folding), frontispiece portrait of Boyle to volumeContinue reading "The Works of the Honourable Robert Boyle. In Six Volumes to which is prefixed The Life of the Author."

Scopoli, Giovanni Antonio [Carl Linnaeus]

Flora Carniolica: Exhibens Plantas Carnioliae Indigenas et Distributas in Classes, Genera, Species, Varietates, Ordine Linnaeano. Volume I.

Vienna : Johann Paul Krauss, 1772.

Second edition, enlarged and revised, of one of the most important 18th-century botanical works documenting the flora of Carniola following Carl Linnaeus’s system of plant classification. Octavo, written in Latin, bound in three quarters calf over marbled boards, rebacked with cloth labels, marbled endpapers, all edges red, illustrated throughout. In good condition, bookplate to theContinue reading "Flora Carniolica: Exhibens Plantas Carnioliae Indigenas et Distributas in Classes, Genera, Species, Varietates, Ordine Linnaeano. Volume I."

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.

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 pastedownContinue reading "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."

Campbell, John

A Political Survey of Britain: Being a Series of Reflections on the Situation, Lands, Inhabitants, Revenues, Colonies, and Commerce of This Island.

Dublin : T. Ewing and C. Jenkin, 1775.

Rare second edition of John Campbell’s classic survey of late sixteenth century Britain. Octavo, four volumes, bound in full contemporary calf, raised bands, red and green morocco spine labels, gilt titles. In good condition.    

Gibbon, Edward

The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.

London : Printed for W. Strahan; and T. Cadell, 1776-1788.

Rare complete first edition set, including the rare first state of volume one, of Gibbon’s landmark work of historiography. Quarto, 6 volumes bound in full contemporary mottled calf, with morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, gilt ruling to the spine in six compartments within raised bands, gilt turn-ins, three engraved folding maps by Kitchin ofContinue reading "The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire."

Gibbon, Edward

The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.

London : Printed for W. Strahan; and T. Cadell, 1776-1788.

Rare full first edition set, first state of volume one, of Gibbon’s landmark work of historiography with three engraved folding maps by Kitchin of the Western and Eastern Roman Empire and of Constantinople and frontispiece portrait of Gibbon. Quarto, 6 volumes bound in three quarter calf over marbled boards with gilt titles and tooling toContinue reading "The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire."