The Spectator Volumes I - IV

Smart full-calf collection of essays from notable London 18th-century periodical The Spectator. In red full calf with marbled endpapers.Complete in four volumes.Author not stated, authorship from a copy held by the British Library. The Spectator is known to have been founded by Joseph Addison and Richard Steele.A collection of essays from popular London periodical The Spectator, which ran from 1711 up until 1712, then being briefly revived in 1714 without the involvement of Steele. Articles centered on politics and the arts with a specific emphasis on the spread of Enlightenment ideals to the female readership. During its initial run, it was estimated to have been read by about a tenth of London's population. Bound in full red calf with marbled endpapers. Externally, lovely condition with slight rubbing to spine tips and subtle marking to boards. Internally, firmly bound. Features faint spotting to the first and last few pages of each volume, pages otherwise bright and clean throughout. Near Fine.…