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.

Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von

Scherz, List und Rache. [Jest, Cunning, and Revenge].

Leipzig : Bey Georg Joachim Göschen, 1790.

First edition of this libretto in the original German. Octodecimo, in wrappers. In near fine condition with very light toning. Housed in a custom folding chemise and half cloth case. Rare.

Bunyan, John

The Pilgrim’s Progress From This World to That Which is to Come: Complete in Three Parts: Delivered Under the Similitude of a Dream: To Which is Added, the Life and Death of the Author.

Worcester, MA : Isaiah Thomas, 1790-91.

Likely first illustrated edition of one of the most significant works of religious English literature. Small octavo, early half sheep over marbled boards, three frontispieces, illustrated with eleven nearly full-page woodcuts, publisher’s error jump in page number from p. 324 to p. 343. In good condition with rubbing to the extremities and loss to theContinue reading "The Pilgrim’s Progress From This World to That Which is to Come: Complete in Three Parts: Delivered Under the Similitude of a Dream: To Which is Added, the Life and Death of the Author."

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’sContinue reading "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."

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 ReynoldsContinue reading "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 contemporary half calf over marbled boards. Frontispiece portrait of Samuel Johnson, engraved by J. Heath after the Sir Joshua Reynolds (1756) painting. Volume one isContinue reading "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 morocco by Birdsall, gilt titles and tooling to the spine, raised bands, inner dentelles, all edges gilt. Frontispiece portrait of Samuel Johnson, engravedContinue reading "The Life of Johnson."

Boswell, James

The Life of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. Comprehending an Account of his Studies and Numerous Works, in Chronological Order…

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. First issue with “gve” for “give” at line 10 of p.135 in Vol. I, where MM4 and NN1 are cancels. Vol. I with Pottle’s misprints: upon repeatedContinue reading "The Life of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. Comprehending an Account of his Studies and Numerous Works, in Chronological Order…"

Rowson, Susanna Haswell

Charlotte. A Tale of Truth.

Philadelphia : Printed by D. Humphreys for M. Carey, 1794.

Exceedingly rare first American edition (and the earliest obtainable example) of the first American bestseller. Octavo, two volumes bound into one in three quarter calf over marbled boards, morocco spine label lettered in gilt, marbled endpapers. Although the first American edition was preceded by the first English edition published in 1791, no examples of theContinue reading "Charlotte. A Tale of Truth."

Radcliffe, Anne

A Sicilian Romance.

Philadelphia : Printed For Henry and Patrick Rice, 1795.

First American edition of Radcliffe’s classic 18th century gothic novel. Octavo, bound in full contemporary calf, morocco spine label lettered in gilt, gilt ruling to the spine. In good condition. Chip to the spine label, G1 & 2 tear at head within text, with minor loss, Q1 torn and stained at foot, with loss ofContinue reading "A Sicilian Romance."

The First Spelling Primer; or an Easy Introduction to the Art of Reading Adorned with Emblematic Pictures.

London-Derry : Published by G. Douglas, 1795.

Second edition of this scarce 18th century spelling primer. 16mo, original limp paper boards, illustrated with twenty-six small text woodcuts illustrating the Prince’s Alphabet, followed by an ABC poem, The Alphabet in Rhime, syllables of two and three letters, easy words, easy reading lessons, the Lord’s Prayer, and a publisher’s advertisement leaf aimed at childrenContinue reading "The First Spelling Primer; or an Easy Introduction to the Art of Reading Adorned with Emblematic Pictures."

Gibbon, Edward

Miscellaneous Works of Edward Gibbon, Esquire. With Memoirs of His Life and Writings, Composed by Himself: Illustrated from His Letters, with Occasional Notes and Narrative by John Lord Sheffield.

London : Printed for A. Strahan, and T. Cadell Jun. and W. Davies, 1796.

First edition of Gibbon’s memoirs, letters, and additional works, posthumously collected and published by his closest friend, John Baker Holroyd, 1st Earl of Sheffield. Quarto, bound in three quarters morocco over marbled boards, morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, elaborate gilt tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, engraved frontispiece portraitContinue reading "Miscellaneous Works of Edward Gibbon, Esquire. With Memoirs of His Life and Writings, Composed by Himself: Illustrated from His Letters, with Occasional Notes and Narrative by John Lord Sheffield."

Sheridan, Richard Brinsley

The Rivals; The Critic; The Duenna.

London : Printed for A. Millar, W. Law, and R. Cater, 1797.

Finely bound editions of three of Sheridan’s most well known and popular comic plays. Duodecimo, three volumes, bound in full red pebbled morocco with gilt titles and tooling to the spine in three compartments within raised gilt bands, triple gilt ruling to the front and rear panels, all edges gilt, gilt inner dentelles, marbled endpapers.Continue reading "The Rivals; The Critic; The Duenna."

Cervantes Saavedra, Miguel de; D. Juan Antonio Pellicer

El Ingenioso Hidalgo Don Quixote de la Mancha: Nueva Edicion.

Madrid : Gabriel de Sancha, 1797-98.

First large paper edition of Juan Antonio Pellicer’s new edition of Don Quixote. Octavo, five volumes, bound in full red morocco by Clarke & Bedford with gilt titles and ornately tooled floral detailing to the spines in six compartments within raised bands, elaborate floral ruling to the front and rear panels, top edges gilt, giltContinue reading "El Ingenioso Hidalgo Don Quixote de la Mancha: Nueva Edicion."

Cervantes, Miguel De

El ingenioso hidalgo Don Quixote de la Mancha.

Madrid : Gabriel de Sancha, 1797-98.

First edition of the first annotated edition of Don Quixote. Octavo, five volumes, bound in contemporary tree calf, covers with a swashed diagonal cross, edged with a gilt roll, gilt bands and green lettering pieces, marbled endpapers, sprinkled edges. With 2 engraved portraits, 2 engraved headpieces, 3 folding maps, and 31 engraved plates executed byContinue reading "El ingenioso hidalgo Don Quixote de la Mancha."

The Holy Bible, Containing the Old and New Testaments: Translated Out of the Original Tongues; and With the former Translations diligently compared and revised, by His Majesty’s Special Command. Appointed to be Read in Churches.

Cambridge : Printed by John Burges Printer to the University, 1798.

Exquisitely bound 18th century Cambridge University printing of the Holy Bible. Octavo, sumptuously bound in full contemporary straight grain morocco with gilt titles and elaborate gilt tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, gilt border with floral scrolling, corner medallions and fleurons to the front and rear panels, tan and blackContinue reading "The Holy Bible, Containing the Old and New Testaments: Translated Out of the Original Tongues; and With the former Translations diligently compared and revised, by His Majesty’s Special Command. Appointed to be Read in Churches."

Rabelais, Francois

Oeuvres De Maitre Francois Rabelais, suivies des Remarques publiees en anglois par M. le Motteux, et traduites en francois par C. D. M. Nouvelle edition ornee de 76 gravures.

Paris : Chez Ferdinand Bastien, 1798.

First edition illustrated, three volumes, octavos. In good condition, all edges gilt, tooling to the spine, expertly rebacked. All plates present. An attractive set.

Missale Romanum.

Madrid : Typis Societatis, 1799.

Rare 18th century Spanish printing of the Roman Missal. Folio, bound in full velvet with silver cornerpieces and central ornament bearing the Sacred Heart, silver clasps, ribbons bound in, printed in red and black, engraved illustration to the title page. In very good condition.

Rowson, Susanna Haswell

The History of Charlotte Temple. Founded on Fact.

Hartford : Printed by John Babcock, 1801.

Early American printing of the first American bestseller, first published in 1794. 16mo, bound in one quarter contemporary leather over paper-covered boards. In good condition. Period ownership inscription, “Mary More Her Book Bought in the year 1802 Price 2/0 If this Book you Chance to Borrow and it should get lost it would fill myContinue reading "The History of Charlotte Temple. Founded on Fact."

Shakespeare, William. Revised by George Steevens

The Dramatic Works of Shakespeare.

London : Printed by W. Bulmer and Co. for John and Josiah Boydell, George and W. Nicol., 1802.

Rare finely bound complete set of “by far the largest single engraving enterprise ever undertaken in England”, John Boydell’s magnificent illustrated folio edition of the dramatic works of Shakespeare. Folio, 9 volumes. Bound in three quarters morocco with gilt titles to the spine, all edges marbled. Elaborately illustrated with 96 plates engraved by the mostContinue reading "The Dramatic Works of Shakespeare."

Dante Alighieri; Translated by Henry Boyd

The Divina Commedia of Dante Alighieri: Consisting of the Inferno, Purgatorio and Paradiso. [The Divine Comedy].

London : Printed by A. Strahan for T. Cadell Jun. and W. Davies, in the Strand, 1802.

First edition of the first full translation of Dante’s Divine Comedy into English, translated with preliminary essays, notes, and illustrations by the Rev. Henry Boyd. Octavo, three volumes, bound in full diced calf with gilt titles and stamping to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, gilt scrolling and central motif to theContinue reading "The Divina Commedia of Dante Alighieri: Consisting of the Inferno, Purgatorio and Paradiso. [The Divine Comedy]."

Cervantes Saavedra, Miguel de

The History and Adventures of the Renowned Don Quixote.

Philadelphia : John Conrad & Co, 1803.

Rare first American edition of Cervantes’ masterpiece, translated from the original Spanish by Tobias Smollett and published as part of John Conrad & Co.’s Select Novels series (Vols. X-XIII). Duodecimo, 4 volumes, bound in full contemporary speckled calf, gilt numbers to the spine, modern morocco spine labels lettered in gilt. Translated by T. Smollett. InContinue reading "The History and Adventures of the Renowned Don Quixote."

Taylor, Thomas. [Plato]

The Works of Plato, Viz. His Fifty-Five Dialogues, and Twelve Epistles, Translated From the Greek; Nine of the Dialogues by the Late Floyer Sydenham, and the Remainder by Thomas Taylor: With Occasional Annotations on the Nine Dialogues Translated by Sydenham, and Copious Notes, by the Latter Translator.

London : Printed for Thomas Taylor, By R. Wilks, Chancery-Lane, 1804.

First edition of the first complete English translation of the works of Plato. Quarto, five volumes bound in full pebbled cloth retaining contemporary black morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, half-titles, engraved frontispiece to volume I. In the words of the Prometheus Trust, “Taylor’s Works of Plato, has two outstanding features which make it anContinue reading "The Works of Plato, Viz. His Fifty-Five Dialogues, and Twelve Epistles, Translated From the Greek; Nine of the Dialogues by the Late Floyer Sydenham, and the Remainder by Thomas Taylor: With Occasional Annotations on the Nine Dialogues Translated by Sydenham, and Copious Notes, by the Latter Translator."

Noah, Mordecai Manuel

The Fortress of Sorrento: A Petit Historical Drama, in Two Acts.

New York : D. Longworth, 1808.

First edition of “the most important Jewish lay leader of the early 19th century” Mordecai Noah’s early play, published when he was only 23 years old. 12mo, bound in modern calf, gilt titles to the spine, lacking the 2 advertisement leaves called for by Singerman. In near fine condition. Rare.