3. GAY, John (1685-1732).
Fables. London: J Tonson, J Watts (vol.I), J & P Knapton and T Cox (vol.II), 1727-1738. 2 volumes in one. 4to (10 x 7 1/2 inches; 257 x 190 mm). 51 engraved headpiece illustrations by W Kent and J Wootton (all in vol.I), engraved frontispiece, title vignette and 16 plates by H Gravelot in vol.II. Contemporary calf, neatly rebacked to style. Condition : volume one lightly browned and spotted; binding scuffed. Provenance : Lord Dimsdale armorial bookplate); William Crosbie (inscribed on the front fly-leaf "A Premium given by Arthur Crosbie, Esq. To his grandson William Arthur Crosbie, November 1763").
first editions of both volumes of this important collection of literary fables , the second issued posthumously: Vol II is one of a small number printed in quarto to accommodate owners of the 1727 first volume (from 1728 onwards it was printed in octavo, as were most copies of the 1738 second volume). ESTC T13818 & T13827; Foxon p.295; Rothschild 925; Tinker 1068.
est. $2000 – $3000
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