Fugitive Pieces (2 results)

An eighteenth-century homemade binding of a portion of a popular literary and satirical miscellany, a reminder that not all reading was from perfect copies. The New Foundling Hospital for Wit appeared from 1768-7) and was a vehicle for John Wilkes and his radical bookseller John Almon, each issue audacious satirical engravings. This one includes, as a frontispiece, 'A Citizen of the World searching for a Wise Prince' in which blindfolded man walks an empty street carrying a lantern and wearing a long, furred civic gown. On a sign board overhead is a portrait of Augusta, Princess Dowager of Wales and a jackboot, the emblem of the Earl of Bute. Below is a quote from Shakespeare: 'Who says 'Alack, there lies more peril in thine eye than twenty of their swords (Romeo and Juliet). Among the various verses we find Richard Berenger's 'On the Birth-Day of Shakespeare' originally included in The World. 8vo (166 ×100 mm), pp. 11-196 only, plus engraved frontispiece, bound together with a few leaves from other issues of the same work. Quite tightly bound in eighteenth-century marbled paper covered stiff boards, linen spine stiffener (inside), one further wrapper bound at rear, titles in manuscript to spine and upper cover. Worn but rather attractive.

Second edition. In two volumes. [2], 352; [4], ix, [1], 11-357pp, [3]. With a final leaf of publisher's advertisements to Vol. II. Contemporary gilt-ruled calf boards, recently rebacked to style, preserving contemporary contrasting red morocco lettering-pieces. Boards rubbed and marked, chipping to lettering-pieces. Occasional browning and light damp-staining A compilation of essays by various eighteenth century British and Continental authors, selected and first published by J. Dodsley in 1761 (this second edition printed by William Bowyer, whose records show 1000 copies issued). The 16 articles vary widely in subject matter, and include 'An account of the Emperor of Chinaâs gardens, near Pekin' by Sir Harry Beaumont, 'Deformity: an essay' by William Hay, 'A modest defence of gaming' (anonymous), and 'An account of Russia, in the year 1710' by Lord Whotworth. ESTC T40283. Size: 8vo.