first edition Hardcover
1718 · London
by Prior, Matthew
London: Printed for Jacob Tonson at Shakespear's-Head over against Katharine-Street in the Strand, and John Barber upon Lambeth-Hill, 1718. Book. Good+ condition. Hardcover. First thus edition. Folio. 40 preliminary pages including a list of subscribers, followed by 506 pages of text, and six pages of index. Full leather binding is heavily worn, with both hinges cracked, remaining attractive but in disrepair. Front endpaper detached. Illustrated with an engraved frontis, title vignette and numerous initials and head and tail pieces. The engravings are by B. Brown and D. Beauvais after designs by L. Cheron. Armorial binding with an unidentified armorial symbol on the front and rear cover described at best as a field of ermines, with two chevrons, and a hand at the center, atop which sits a crown. Several verses contained in this edition were not printed in the first edition, making this the first thus edition. Dedication to Lionel Earl of Dorset and Middlesex, and contains a eulogy on Charles Sackville 6th Earl of Dorset (1638? -1706). Includes a work by Mrs. Elizabeth [Rowe] Singer (1674-1737) p.31-33 "Love and Friendship: A Pastoral." Matthew Prior (1664-1721)..
(Inventory #: 016835)