Anecdotes, Observations, and Characters, of Books and Men. Collected from the Conversations of Mr. Pope, and Other Eminent Persons of His Time . . . Now First Published from the Original Papers, With Notes, and a Life of the Author. By Samuel Weller Singer

SPENCE, JOSEPH

Published by London: Published by W. H. Carpenter; Edinburgh: Archibald Constable, 1820, 1820

About this Item

2 vols, 8vo, later full brown morocco by H. Wood, spines in six compartments with gilt-stamped floral designs, gilt inner dentelles, gilt lettering, t.e.g., others untrimmed. Frontis portrait, as called for, and extra-illustrated with 188 plates. One of the great works of 18th century literary anecdotal literature by one of the most interesting of the eraís literary figures, Joseph Spence (1699-1768). Spence's Anecdotes is an ideal work for extra-illustration, of which this is an excellent example, with quality engravings. NCBEL II, 1749; Lowndes, page 2475 One of two rival editions to appear almost simultaneously in 1820, priority not established. The other was edited by Edmond Malone and published by John Murray, but this edition by Carpenter is the superior text. See the ODNB.

Seller Inventory # 27644

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Anecdotes, Observations, and Characters, of Books and Men. Collected from the Conversations of Mr. Pope, and Other Eminent Persons of His Time . . . Now First Published from the Original Papers, With Notes, and a Life of the Author. By Samuel Weller Singer
• Publisher: London: Published by W. H. Carpenter; Edinburgh: Archibald Constable, 1820
• Publication Date: 1820
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Fine copy.
• Seller catalogs:
  • Anecdotes
  • English Literature