LESSING, Gotthold Ephraim (1729-1781). Laokoon oder über die Grenzen der Mahlerey und Poesie, Berlin: Christian Friedrich Voss, 1766. Volume I [all published], 8° (201 x 118mm). Contemporary calf, gilt spine (hinges rubbed). FIRST EDITION. 'Laokoon is perhaps Lessing's best-known work outside Germany, and it has had a world-wide influence ... It contains the first clear statement of the truth, which is now considered axiomatic, that every art is subject to limitations, and can achieve greatness only by a clear understanding of and self-restriction to its proper function. The most telling passages, and those which have borne most fruit, are those on poetry ... In the words of Macaulay, he was "beyond all dispute the first critic of Europe"', PMM 213.