FOUR GENUINE EIGHTEENTH-CENTURY LEATHER-BOUND VOLUMES – ALL PUBLISHED DURING POPE'S LIFETIME!
An appealing collection of four original eighteenth-century volumes of the works of Alexander Pope (1688–1744), one of the greatest poets and satirists in English literature.
Published in 1740 and 1742, these remarkable books are now approaching 300 years old and offer a fascinating glimpse into the literary and publishing world of Georgian England.
With their period leather bindings, gilt-decorated spines, elegant typography and beautiful red-and-black printed title pages, they possess all the character and charm of genuine antiquarian books.
THE FOUR VOLUMES
1. EPISTLES – 1740
The Works of Alexander Pope, Volume II, Part I
Containing Pope's celebrated Epistles, this volume was printed for R. Dodsley and sold by T. Cooper.
Pope's Epistles are among his most admired poetic works, exploring morality, human behaviour, friendship and the society of his time.
2. THE DUNCIAD – 1742
The Works of Alexander Pope, Volume III, Part I
Printed for Henry Lintot.
Contains The Dunciad, together with the notes of Scriblerus.
One of Pope's most famous and controversial works, The Dunciad is a brilliant and ferocious satire on literary pretension, ignorance and the cultural life of eighteenth-century Britain.
3. THE LETTERS OF ALEXANDER POPE – 1742
The Works of Alexander Pope, Volume IV, Part I
An Authentic Edition of His Letters, printed for T. Cooper.
An absorbing collection of correspondence offering an insight into Pope's friendships, literary relationships, opinions and personal life.
4. THE LETTERS OF ALEXANDER POPE – SECOND PART – 1742
The Works of Alexander Pope, Volume IV, Part II
Printed for T. Cooper.
A continuation of Pope's correspondence, providing further insight into the life and literary world of one of the most influential writers of the Georgian period.
PUBLISHED DURING ALEXANDER POPE'S LIFETIME
A particularly attractive feature of this collection is that all four volumes were printed before Pope's death in 1744.
These are genuine eighteenth-century publications, not later Victorian editions or modern facsimiles.
The varying imprints also reflect the fascinating publishing history of Pope's works during the eighteenth century.
ATTRACTIVE ANTIQUARIAN FEATURES
Four separately bound eighteenth-century volumes.
Original publication dates of 1740 and 1742.
Traditional leather bindings with gilt-decorated spines.
Attractive red-and-black printed title pages.
Clear eighteenth-century typography.
Works by one of Britain's most celebrated literary figures.
Considerable decorative, historical and literary interest.
CONDITION
The books retain considerable authentic Georgian character and present as an attractive group.
The leather bindings show age-related rubbing, wear and deterioration, including some weakness around the joints and spine areas. The interiors are generally much better preserved, with attractive, legible printing, age-related toning and occasional marks.
Please refer to the separate condition description and photographs for further details.
A FASCINATING COLLECTORS' OPPORTUNITY
These four volumes will appeal to collectors of Alexander Pope, eighteenth-century English literature, Georgian printing, antique leather-bound books and literary history.
They would also make a handsome addition to a traditional library or collection of early English books.
FOUR AUTHENTIC GEORGIAN VOLUMES – PUBLISHED IN 1740 AND 1742 – OFFERED TOGETHER AS ONE LOT!
An opportunity to acquire four genuine eighteenth-century publications by one of the most important writers in the English language, with the added appeal of their original period bindings and attractive early printing.