The Spectator

A complete eight volume edition of this important publication, with a frontispiece to each volume. The 1766 edition, complete in eight volumes.The Spectator was a daily publication founded by Joseph Addison and Richard Steele in England, originally running from 1711 to 1712, and collected into seven volumes. The paper was revived for six months in 1714, forming the eighth volume. The 'Spectator' became a major venue for the spread of Enlightenment ideas, and was one of the first publications to appeal directly to a female readership. Addison estimated that during its initial run, about a tenth of London's population were readers of the publication.With an engraved frontispiece to each volume.With the contemporary inscription of Elizabeth Dickinson, 1766 to front blanks of vols I-III.ESTC T160272. In full calf bindings. Rubbing to back strip heads and tails and joints. Back strips of vols I, III and VI age toned. Front hinge of vol I, III, IV, VII hinges of vol II and VIII strained, but firmly held. Vol VIII lacking rear free endpaper. Contemporary inscriptions to front blanks of vols I-III. Internally, firmly bound. Light tide marks to vol III, VI, VII, VIII, most concentrated to vol VIII. Good.…