1782 · London
by Martial
London: Printed by Baker and Galabin, and sold by B. White [and others], 1782. First edition of Elphinston's translation of the Roman poet's best known work. 4to. xxxviii, 574, (1, ad leaf) pp. Engraved portrait frontispiece of Martial. Published by subscription, Samuel Johnston and Adam Smith were among the subscribers, included in the long list given here; the work "was received with ridicule. Garrick declared it the most extraordinary of all translations ever attempted, and told Johnston ... that he had advised Elphinston not to publish it" (DNB). With the ownership inscription of South Carolina's Charles Pinckney on the front pastedown: "Charles Pinckney / March 24 1791 / in Charleston." Pinckney (1757-1824) was a signer of the United States Constitution, member of the Continental Congress, 1784-1787, Governor of South Carolina, 1789-1792, 1796-1798, and 1806-1808, United States Senator, 1798-180, and member of the U.S. House of Representatives, 1819-1821. Very good copy, with an important early South Carolina association. Contemporary calf (rubbed, especially edges and corners), rebacked employing the original endpapers and pastedowns, gilt rules and leather label on spine. (8358).
(Inventory #: 61261)