The Poetical Works of Matthew Prior: Now First Collected, with Explanatory Notes, and Memoirs of the Author. In Two Volumes.

Two volumes, octavo; size of bindings: 4 1/2 in. x 7 1/4 in. Volume 1: halftitle; engraved frontispiece: "Henry and Emma" (J. Mortimer/J. K. Sherwin, engraver; Published [-] Jan. 20. 1779, by T. Evans, Strand); titlepage, dedication page, small circular, engraved portrait of Prior at top of a4: [i]-xxviii, 1-420 pp., including contents; Volume 2: halftitle; titlepage: [i]-xvi, [1]-287 pp., including contents + [1] page errata (p. [288]). Bound in full old, sprinkled calf, with five raised bands on the spines, and red and green leather title labels, gilt-lettered: PRIOR'S POEMS I (and II), with compartments richly gilt with floral, and sunburst designs; gilt tooling on cover edges; headbands present. Former owner's printed book labels on the front paste-downs; earlier bookseller's pencilled note on paste-down to volume one: "Ed. T. Evans, Best of the 18th cent. ed[ition]s." Light corner wear, a few light stains to upper back cover of volume two; front endpaper slightly loose in volume one, and an ink stain to the back endpaper. A clean set in fine condition. Weight: 2 1/2 lbs. he scan shows the spines, and the front cover of volume two.…