Description

The History and Adventures of the Renowned Don Quixote By Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra Translated by T. Smollett, M.D. Illustrated by Francis Hayman Engraved by Charles Grignion and others Printed in London, 1770 – Fourth Edition, Corrected Complete in Four Volumes Description: Offered for sale is a scarce complete four-volume set of The History and Adventures of the Renowned Don Quixote , translated by Tobias Smollett and published in London in 1770. This is the Fourth Edition, Corrected , and includes all twenty-eight (28) copperplate engravings designed by Francis Hayman , beautifully executed and inserted throughout the text. This edition is highly regarded for both Smollett's engaging, lively translation and Hayman's exceptional illustrations, offering readers and collectors one of the most important 18th-century English editions of Cervantes' masterpiece. The books are bound in full period tree-calf leather , richly decorated with ornate gilt tooling along the boards and spines, and adorned with red and green gilt-lettered spine labels denoting title and volume numbers. Condition: Bindings : Full leather bindings with intricate gilt tooling. Moderate rubbing and wear present. Volumes I, II, and IV show vertical cracking to the spines; Volume II has a visible split and some loss to the spine tail. All volumes remain securely bound with no detached boards. Covers : Boards are well-preserved with attractive marbled tree calf patterns. Some corner wear and surface abrasions consistent with age. Spines : Red and green spine labels still bright and legible. Gilt tooling and Greek key patterns remain sharp. Interior : Pages are crisp, clean, and lightly toned with occasional minor foxing. Minimal staining noted on endpapers. Some light tears and corner folds. Illustrations : All twenty-eight copperplate engravings are present and remain sharply detailed. Provenance : Each volume bears the neat stamp of the Unitarian Church Sunday School Library, Gloucester , in purple ink, adding interesting provenance but not detracting from readability or beauty. Notes : Early ink numbers and minor marks to endpapers (likely old cataloguing from prior institutional ownership). Overall, a complete and very attractive 18th-century set of one of literature’s greatest novels, ideal for the collector of fine antiquarian books, 18th-century illustration, or Spanish literature in English translation. Shipping: Professionally packaged and shipped securely. Free USPS Priority shipping within the continental U.S. International shipping available through eBay Global Shipping Program. Handling time: Ships within 2 business days. Returns: 30-day returns accepted. Buyer pays return shipping unless item is misdescribed. Please review all photos carefully, additional images available upon request. Keywords: Rare Books | Don Quixote | Cervantes | Tobias Smollett | Francis Hayman | Antiquarian Books | 18th Century Literature | Leather Binding | Copperplate Engravings | Illustrated Classics | Collectible Novels | London 1770 Printing | Early English Translation