CERVANTES SAAVEDRA, Miguel de & JARVIS, Charles (translator).. (Don Quixote). The Life and Exploits of the Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote de la Mancha. Translated from the Original Spanish of Miguel Cervantes de Saavedera. By Charles Jarvis, Esq; the Third Edition.. LondonPrinted for J. and R. Tonson and S. Draper in the Strand and R. and J. Dodsley in Pall-Mall ., 1756.

Price: US$2566.53 + shipping

Description: 2 vols. Large 4to. (29.5 x 22.5 cm). pp.xxxii+[2]+372; xii+398. Later calf spine over marbled boards, spines with gilt-ruled raised bands, gilt decorated compartments, and gilt lettering, sprinkled edges dyed yellow. 69 copper-engraved plates comprising a portrait of Cervantes by George Vertue as frontispiece to "The Life of Cervantes" and 68 numbered plates mostly most by Gerard van der Gucht after John Vanderbank. "Undoubtedly one of the noblest sets of engravings ever executed for Don Quixote" (Ashbee 39). Light rubbing to binding, some light toning and occasional light spotting, generally an excellent set. Jarvis's "major literary undertaking was an English translation of Cervantes' Don Quixote. Published posthumously first in 1742 and frequently reprinted, it is generally acknowledged as being close in spirit to the original" (ODNB). The superb engravings are mostly signed by John Vanderbank (1694-1739), painter and draughtsman. They were first used in the 1738 quarto edition of Don Quixote issued by the Tonsons in the original Spanish.

Seller: Robert Frew Ltd. ABA ILAB, London, United Kingdom

Cervantes De Saavedra, Miguel. LIFE AND EXPLOITS OF DON QUIXOTE DE LA MANCHA. J. and R. Tonson and S. Draper, London, 1756.

Price: US$3786.67 + shipping

Condition: Good

Description: VERY RARE - SCARCE EDITION, FINE ORIGINAL GILT DECORATED LEATHER BINDINGS, 68 FINE FULL PAGE SINGLE SIDED COPPER ENGRAVED PLATES, Vanderbank, John (illustrator). LIFE AND EXPLOITS OF DON QUIXOTE DE LA MANCHA, Translated from the original Spanish of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra by CHARLES JARVIS, Esq. Now Carefully Revised and Corrected To which is prefixed A Life of the Author, LONDON: Printed for J. and R. Tonson and S. Draper. MDCCLVI. 1756. Rare Third Edition. In 2 volumes. Folio. 12.0" x 9.5" Inches (LxB). Pp. xxxii, 90, [8], [iii]-vi, [2], 372; xii, 398 pages + 68 FINE FULL PAGE COPPER ENGRAVED PLATES. Copper-engraved frontispiece, plus 26 copper-engraved plates in Volume 1, 41 plates in Volume 2. Bound in a fine original contemporary period full calf leather binding, gilt decorated spine with the original red & black morocco gilt-lettered spine labels. A valuable and uncommon book set. An appealing set of Cervantes' magnificent and romantic tale. Jarvis' is one of the best-known and earliest translations into English. Its presentation, from the point of view of the quality of the art of the book is splendid. Very finely executed full page engravings, engraved head and tail pieces, and engraved capitals make for a creation of the highest order. There is a fine "Life of Cervantes" preceding the text translated from the original Spanish and with an especially handsome engraving of Cervantes. In addition, significant content was gained from researching the old histories and chronicles with which the Spaniards of the 16th century were familiar. Thus, many of the period poetical nuances have here been included in English for the first time. This translation is generally acknowledged as "being as close in spirit to the original" as any yet published. A rare book set in the original contemporary full calf leather binding, all boards have been professionally re-attached, some wear/tear/scuffing/chipping to covers, spine, ends & corners, pages with some age toning/foxing are clean & bright, the binding is tight & intact. Spine labels cracked and faded, heavily worn extremities. Top 1/2 inch of the spine of volume 2 repaired, previous owners engraved bookplate on the front pastedown of volume 2. (770 pages total both volumes)

Seller: Barry's Books, San Antonio, TX, U.S.A.