The Lucubrations of Isaac Bickerstaff Esq.
London: E.N., 1720. Hardcover. Complete 4-volume set. 16mo. Full calf with gilt spine lettering and rules. vi, 286pp, (6pp index); iv, 314pp, (10pp index); viii, 302pp, (14pp index); vi, (4pp), 296pp, (10pp index, 2pp ads). Very good. Binding a bit edgeworn, with spines rather darkened and gilt rubbed and some title labels chipped; homely 3" mended scar to front board of first volume; text blocks uniformly tight and nice throughout, lightly age toned and free of foxing; lightly pencilled contemporary ownership signature on front flyleaf of first volume. Item #52880
On April 12, 1709, British-Irish writer and playwright Steele (1671-1729) began publishing his thrice-weekly journal "The Tatler," continuing until January 2, 1711 -- a total of 271 issues, with Steele writing roughly 183 of them and his friend and future "Spectator" collaborator Joseph Addison writing 42 and the remainder joint efforts and outside contributions -- Jonathan Swift is thought to have provided some. Book editions soon followed, starting in the 1710s. This 1720 quartette is one of the earlier sets. The essays are memorable and considered groundbreaking in that the fictional character (Bickerstaff) struck an informal, conversational tone not seen before in the essay form and they blended actual news with idle gossip and coffeehouse chatter.
Price: $575.00