Published by Edward Blount, London, 1620
Seller: Raptis Rare Books, Palm Beach, FL, U.S.A.
First Edition
Exceedingly rare first complete edition in English of Cervantes' masterpiece comprising the second editionÂofÂtheÂfirst part andÂtheÂfirst editionÂofÂthe second part. Small octavo, 2 volumes bound in full calf with red morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, gilt turn-ins, frontispiece portrait of the author to Vol. I, engraved headpieces, tailpieces and initials. Translated from the original Spanish by Thomas Shelton, his first English translation published in 1612 was the first translation in any language, and took him only forty days to complete. The true first edition of Don Quixote was published in Madrid by Francisco de Robles in two parts in 1605 and 1614. The first part of Shelton's first English version was published in 1612 with the second part added in 1620, both published in quarto. The present edition is the first complete edition published in the English language with both the first and second parts published and sold simultaneously. Volume one is a second edition with the text block trimmed as usual, in very good condition. Volume two is a first edition, lacking the engraved title as with many copies, and believed to be indicative of an earlier state. âDuff suggested that the reason this plate is lacking in so many copies of the second part is because it was not prepared until after a good many copies had been sold without it" (Pforzheimer 140; Grolier Langland to Wither 213). Early ownership signature, most likely Herbert Lunsford located at the head of the errata sheet. Sir Herbert Lunsford (c. 1610-1664) was a military figure and brother to Thomas Lunsford, who is reputed to have been a ruthless pirate and fearless adventurer. Catalog entry, handwritten note, and newspaper clipping containing bibliographical information affixed to verso of front board. An exceptional example of this rarity, very rare to find complete. Often cited as the first modern novel, Cervantes' masterpiece Don Quixote remains not only the most influential work of literature to emerge from the Spanish Golden Age, but the most important work of the entire Spanish literary canon. The Shelton translation is generally considered the English translation that "realizes Cervantes' manner more nearly than any successor." (DNB). âIt is interesting to realize that the first modern novel was composed by a sick, aged and impoverished man, who believed that a satirical tale might produce more revenue than the poems and plays that he regarded as his more serious mission. Under the guise of a parody on romances of chivalry, Cervantes created a study of reality and illusion, madness and sanity, that links him with such acute 16th-century students of psychology as Erasmus, Rabelais, Montaigne, and Shakespeareâ (Folgerâs Choice 30).
Published by Printed for Edward Blount, London, 1620
Seller: Raptis Rare Books, Palm Beach, FL, U.S.A.
First Edition
Exceedingly rare first complete edition in English of Cervantes' masterpiece comprised of a second edition of the first part and first edition of the second part. Small quarto, bound in full crimson crushed levant morocco by Riviere & Son, gilt titles and elaborate gilt tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, triple gilt ruling to the front and rear panels, gilt turn-ins and inner dentelles, all edges gilt, engraved headpieces, tailpieces and initials. Engraved title pages and printed title page to the second part supplied in exact facsimile from the copy in the British Museum. No printed title was printed in the first volume. Translated from the original Spanish by Thomas Shelton, his first English translation published in 1612 was the first translation in any language, and took him only forty days to complete. The true first edition of Don Quixote was published in Madrid by Francisco de Robles in two parts in 1605 and 1614. The first part of Sheltonâs first English version was published in 1612 with the second part added in 1620, both published in quarto. Volume one is a second edition of the excessively rare first edition, of which very few copies exist. Volume two is a first edition, lacking the engraved title as with many copies, and believed to be indicative of an earlier state. âDuff suggested that the reason this plate is lacking in so many copies of the second part is because it was not prepared until after a good many copies had been sold without itâ (Pforzheimer 140; Grolier Langland to Wither 213). In near fine condition. Small bookplates. Housed in a custom half morocco and folding chemise slipcase. A stunning presentation of this rare complete first edition in English. Often cited as the first modern novel, Cervantes' masterpiece Don Quixote remains not only the most influential work of literature to emerge from the Spanish Golden Age, but the most important work of the entire Spanish literary canon. For its influence, innovation and critical status, it is "to Spanish literature what Shakespeare is to English" (Bloom) and has become globally regarded as "one of those universal works which are read by all ages at all times" (PMM).
Published by Edward Blount, London, 1620
Seller: Raptis Rare Books, Palm Beach, FL, U.S.A.
First Edition
Exceedingly rare first complete edition in English of Cervantes' masterpiece comprising the second editionÂofÂtheÂfirst part andÂtheÂfirst editionÂofÂthe second part. Octavo, 2 volumes bound in full 19th century calf, engraved title in each volume. Translated from the original Spanish by Thomas Shelton whose first English translation published in 1612 was the first translation in any language and took him only forty days to complete. The true first edition of Don Quixote was published in Madrid by Francisco de Robles in two parts in 1605 and 1615. Shelton's first English translation first appeared in English in 1612, and was reissued in 1620 along with the first edition of the second part; the engraved title present in both volumes here was created for the second part, and is not present in all copies of the reissued first part. Both volumes are in near fine condition. (Pforzheimer 140; Grolier Langland to Wither 213). In near fine condition. Often cited as the first modern novel, Cervantes' masterpiece Don Quixote remains not only the most influential work of literature to emerge from the Spanish Golden Age, but the most important work of the entire Spanish literary canon. For its influence, innovation and critical status, it is "to Spanish literature what Shakespeare is to English" (Bloom) and has become globally regarded as "one of those universal works which are read by all ages at all times" (PMM). The Shelton translation is generally considered the English translation that "realizes Cervantes' manner more nearly than any successor." (DNB). âIt is interesting to realize that the first modern novel was composed by a sick, aged and impoverished man, who believed that a satirical tale might produce more revenue than the poems and plays that he regarded as his more serious mission. Under the guise of a parody on romances of chivalry, Cervantes created a study of reality and illusion, madness and sanity, that links him with such acute 16th-century students of psychology as Erasmus, Rabelais, Montaigne, and Shakespeareâ (Folgerâs Choice 30).