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$2584.34 + 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