A Complete Collection of Genteel and Ingenious Conversation

A wonderful uncommon large paper first edition of one of Jonathan Swift's final works, a satire of the banal conversation exchanged between the upper classes in the early 18th century. The uncommon first edition of this work. The large paper first issue, with Neptune headpiece as called for. These large paper copies are printed on heavier paper than the standard issue.A satirical work published by Jonathan Swift, under the pseudonym Simon Wagstaff.Presented as a reference-style guide to the "most polite mode and method now used at court, and in the best companies of England." Swift uses witty, ironic conversation among fictional speakers to mock the banal, formulaic, and pretentious exchanges of English high society, and the affectations of upper-class manners.The majority of leaves - excepting title page - have been washed and are clean and bright.ESTC T9741[1], a-e8, f4, B-O9, P4. Collated, bound without the preliminary advertisement leaf, otherwise complete.Rebacked, retaining the original endpapers. With the armorial bookplate of Sir Joseph Copley, Bart, to the front pastedown, and of Oliver Brett, a British peer and politician, to the front free endpaper.Bergen Evans calls it "a tissue of moth-eaten phrases, worn-out wisecracks, musty proverbs and threadbare sententiousness". Rebacked in morocco, retaining the contemporary calf boards, and retaining original endpapers, with hinges reinforced with cloth. Rubbing to board perimeters, otherwise externally excellent. Bookplates to front pastedown and front free endpaper. Internally, firmly bound. The majority of leaves have been washed and are exceptionally clean and bright, with the title page unwashed and age toned. Bound without the preliminary advertisement leaf. Very Good.…