- 123
[Swift, Jonathan.]
Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 GBP
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Description
- Travels into several Remote Nations of the World. In four parts. By Lemuel Gulliver, first a Surgeon, then a Captain of several Ships. London: Benj. Motte, 1726
- Paper
8vo (194 x 120mm.), 2 volumes, first edition, Teerink's A issue, engraved portrait frontispiece in second state with inscription around the oval, Latin inscription in tablet, and vertical chainlines, woodcut initials, head- and tail-pieces, 5 engraved maps, engraved plate of the automatic writing engine, contemporary calf gilt, morocco slipcase, some slight browning throughout, expertly and neatly rebacked with some restoration to corners
Provenance
T.P. Charlton, ownership inscription; Paul Francis Webster, book-labels, the sale of his library at Sotheby's New York, 24 April 1985, lot 87
Literature
Grolier, English 42; PMM 185; Rothschild 2104, 2105, 2106; Teerink 289
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
First edition in a contemporary calf binding of one of the earliest and greatest of all English novels, by the author who "as a satirist... has no equal in English literature for range, subtlety, and power" (Clive Probyn, Oxford DNB). Swift conceived of the story whilst a member of the satirical Scriblerus Club in London. Immediately popular it was quickly re-issued twice, in 1726 and 1727.
The issue points of this copy are: Part 2, p.35 "Subsidies"; Part 3, p. 74 misnumbered; Part 3, G6 a cancel; Part 4, p.52, "buuth".