Hudibras First Part: Signed (1 results)

Small 4to, together 24 parts in one volume; flyleaves removed, some light browning and soiling, contemporary calf, spine gilt (some wear, upper joint slightly cracked). A complete set of first editions, issued at more or less monthly intervals, each part containing 27 or 28 pp. This is one of Ned Ward's most ambitious poems, which began as a wide-ranging and satirically topical view of the Whigs. Early in 1706 Ward was taken into custody for his remarks, but publication of the parts did not cease, even when, in November, he was convicted of 'writing, printing, and publishing, several scandalous and seditious libels, (entitled Hudibras Redivivus) highly reflecting upon Her Majesty and the government'. In fact the prosecution had an effect, and later numbers of the poem are largely free of political references, consisting rather of versified perambulations of London, with glances at mountebanks, Quakers, tradesmen, Bartholomew Fair, and much more. Each part has a separate title-page; for the first twelve, comprising the first volume, the signatures are separate as well. Foxon W90 and W91; Troyer, pp. 90-97 and 243-4. Provenance. This set seems to have been assembled on publication by a certain 'D. E.' who has signed many of the parts with his initials.…