Anecdotes, Observations, and Characters, of Books and Men. Collected from the Conversation of Mr. Pope, and Other Eminent Persons of His Time

A first edition of Spence's famous Anecdotes. Featuring an engraved portrait frontispiece of the author. 'Now first published from the original papers, with notes, and a life of the author, by Samuel Weller Singer'. Joseph Spence was a historian, literary scholar and anecdotist, most famous for his collection of this work which was an invaluable resource for historians of eighteenth century English (Augustan) literature. In a calf binding with gilt borders. Externally, rubbing to the spine, and light marks to the boards. Loss to the spine label. Front board is detached, and rear joint is starting. Internally, firmly bound, bright and generally clean, aside from foxing and tide marks to the first few pages. Armorial bookplate to the front pastedown. Fair.