Hudibras

12mo (152 x 90 mm.), contemporary full calf panelled in blind, raised bands, unlettered. Pp. xiv, 424, [21](index). Fronispiece of Butler plus sixteen plates. The importance of this edition lies in the sixteen plates, five of which are folding, engraved by Hogarth. These small plates were probably engraved about 1720 or 1721, making them some of his earliest work on copper. The designs were not entirely his own invention, but were based on a series of plates by Mynd illustrating a 1710 edition of the work published by Chiswel, Tonson and others. Hinges cracked, but holding, the upper strengthened with paper. Piece missing from fore-edge of title-page, not touching text. One or two of the folding plates creased, or worn or frayed at outer edge, without loss. Plates generally very good. Light toning to text, but text and plates printed on good quality paper. A good, complete copy.