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GAY, The Late Mr. [John]. FABLES By the late Mr Gay (2 Volumes bound as 1). London J. and R. Tonson and J. Watts / J and P Knapton 1753 and 1751, 1753.

Price: US$179.34 + shipping

Description: Two Volumes bound as one (Seventh Edition and Fourth Edition, 1753 and 1751). 8vo., in full old calf gilt, with gilt decorative line borders to upper and lower covers and elaborate gilt decoration to spine, and marbled edges and endpapers; Vol I: 194pp, with numerous engravings within text (mainly by G Van der Gucht, after W Kent); Vol II: 155pp, with engraved frontis + 16 full-page engravings (mainly by G Scotin, after H Gravelot) one hand-coloured, and two partially coloured, all present. Very occasional pencil lines to margins, old ink inscription to reverse of Vol II frontis, short split to foot of Vol I pp31/32, occasional light foxing, heavier to some of the plates, edges a little browned, spine rubbed, wear to spine ends and corners. A Very Good copy overall. (Shelf 4) ** Pictures available upon request, if not already displayed here.** Over 20,000 books in stock - come and browse. PayPal, credit and most debit cards welcome. Books posted worldwide. For any queries please contact us direct.

Seller: Chaucer Bookshop ABA ILAB, Canterbury, United Kingdom

GAY (John). Fables. By the late Mr. Gay. The Seventh [Fifth]Edition.. London: Printed for J. and R. Tonson and J. Watts, 1753.

Price: US$357.38 + shipping

Description: 2 volumes. 8vo, 200 x 117 mms., pp. [xiv], 194; [iv], 155 [156 blank], volume 2 a fifth edition, with the binder having bound leaves signed (a) - [(a2)], between the last two leaves (M1.2, pp. 154 - 155), engraved vignette on title-page of and engraved head-pieces for each of the fifty fables in volume 1 (mostly by Van Der Gucht after Kent), engraved frontispiece and 16 full-page engraved plates, one for each fable in volume 2, mostly by G. Scotin after H. Gravelot and many plates with a date of 1738, contemporary calf, gilt spines, red leathr labels; bindings a bit scratched, front hinge volume 1 cracked and cover holding on for dear life, but a good set with four bookplates: Earl of Munster, The Honourable G. FitzClarence (1841), Lt. Col. Fitz Clarence, and, and A M Broadley (1902). George Augustus Frederick FitzCalrence, First earl of Munster (1794–1842) was the eldest son of the actress Dorothy Jordan (1761 - 1816) and the Duke of Clarence, later King William IV (1765 - 1837); and the two other FitzClarence bookplates are those of his children. A. M. Broadly is the author and book collector Alexander Meyrick Broadley (1847 - 1916), known for "grangerizing" some of his books with additional illustrations. Since this edition of Gay's Fables, first published in 1727, was well-illustrated, it presumably escaped his attentions on that score. Fable 50 in the first volume is a representation of Gay as a female rabbit being pursued by hounds. The second volume of fables was first published in 1738, after Gay's death in 1732, with Alexander Pope overseeing the publication. -

Seller: John Price Antiquarian Books, ABA, ILAB, LONDON, United Kingdom