Mahmut Spy (5 results)

Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Seventh Edition. Eight volumes, complete matching set. Frontispiece at front of Vol I, (xxvi, a separate overall preface, note to the reader, and index, for the entire set),(xx), 312; (xxiv), 276; (xxii), 287; (xxii), 288; (xxii), 276; (xxii), 264; (xiv), 248; (xviii), 280. Volumes 1-4 and 7-8 with 1718 publication date, Volume One stated Nineteenth Edition on volume title page with 1718 date [this volume having appeared earlier and being reprinted prior to the other volumes), Volumes 2-4 and 7-8 stated Seventh Edition; Volumes 5 and 6 with 1717 date and stated Seventh Edition on title page, with publisher "Tooke" spelled as "Took". Despite the variation in dates and edition statements, In matching contemporary full calf bindings, 5 bands, red and black morocco spine labels, elaborate gilt tooling on spine and edges. An excellent set, light fraying at a few tips, bindings and hinges solid, gilt still bright, spine labels intact, light even foxing to text blocks, pages square and undamaged. The origins of the work are complex and disputable, but the manuscript by Marana survives at least for the early volumes, one or more of the later volumes likely being English additions. Important for the light it shows on what Europeans thought was happening, rather than for exact reporting on what was actually occurring. See Bibliographical Society of America LII (1958), PMLA LXXII (1957), Revue de litterature compares XXXII (1958), and the Times Literary Supplement 12/24/1982 and 7/1/1983 to appreciate the variety of views regarding the authorship of the later volumes. Defore wrote a continuation of this series in 1718, not present here. …

Full Leather. Condition: Rare. A beautiful set of 8 volumes bound in full brown leather. Five raised bands to spines. Decorative gilt motifs to edges (in some instances faded) and to spines. Title labels missing on 6 of the 8 volumes. Owner's name to front free end page and bookplate to front paste down (in all volumes save for vol. 5). One instance of notes in margin in vol. 8. On most volumes joints cracked but solid. Some wear and chipping to spine extremities. Vol. 2 bears (bookworm) holes towards bottom of the page from start to finish. Vol. 3 where joint is cracked leather is peeling away from spine. Corners rubbed and some corners lightly bumped. Overall in remarkable condition. [Our rating system: 1. Fine; 2. Near Fine; 3. Very Good; 4. Good; 5. Fair.] Price is for the complete set of 8 volumes.…

Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Most attractive 8 volume set handsomely bound in full contemporary (lightly rubbed) tan calf, complete with original scarlet leather spine labels. The Eighth Edition. 12mo. Frontis. portrait vol. 1. Simply stunning set ! Rare Thus.

Full Leather. Condition: Rare. A beautiful set of 8 volumes bound in full brown leather. Five raised bands to spines. Decorative gilt motifs to edges (in some instances faded) and to spines. Title labels missing on 6 of the 8 volumes. Owner's name to front free end page and bookplate to front paste down (in all volumes save for vol. 5). One instance of notes in margin in vol. 8. On most volumes joints cracked but solid. Some wear and chipping to spine extremities. Vol. 2 bears (bookworm) holes towards bottom of the page from start to finish. Vol. 3 where joint is cracked leather is peeling away from spine. Corners rubbed and some corners lightly bumped. Overall in remarkable condition. [Our rating system: 1. Fine; 2. Near Fine; 3. Very Good; 4. Good; 5. Fair.] Price is for the complete set of 8 volumes. Book.…

Full-Leather. Condition: Good. 1st Edition. Three Volumes, 12mo., (23)359(1)pp; (23)359pp; (23)357(1)pp. Solid First Editions, 1692-1694. Translated from the original Arabic into Italian and then into English. Bound in full contemporary brown calf. Four raised bands with title and volume number in gilt in the second and third compartments respectively and gilt decorative crosses in all others. Frontispiece of Mahmut the Spy in each volume. Each volume is square and generally quite clean throughout with no noticeable foxing. A few page corners gently dog-eared in vol. 8. Vol. 8 also has a neatly detached front board and first blank. The other volume's bindings are rubbed but sturdy and holding firm. Some scuffing and rubbing to edges and tips. Spine gilt, particularly for the titles, are largely worn off. Small, neat name, (Thayer?), written at the top of the Frontispiece and at the top of the title page in vol, 4. Not perfect and incomplete of course but still a presentable grouping of an scarce First.…