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GRAY, Thomas (1716-1771). Designs by Mr. R. Bentley, for six Poems by Mr. T. Gray. London: R. Dodsley, 1753.
Imperial 4° (371 x 270mm). Half-title, engraved vignette on title, 6 engraved plates, 6 head- and tailpieces, 6 historiated initials, by I. S. Müller and C. Grignion after Bentley, the poems printed on rectos only, the 'Explanation of the Prints' by Horace Walpole on both recto and verso. (Light spotting and soiling, mostly marginal.) Contemporary polished calf, spine gilt, one compartment with red morocco label, repeated urn device and flower sprays in the other six (spine frayed at head, corners rubbed). Provenance: Westport House (bookplate) -- Ulick (note of indirect purchase from his sale at Sotheby's by:) Norah More -- Jasper More (bookplate).
Hazen's second issue with half-title reading 'Designs, .' and the exclamation mark in the rows of printer’s flowers on recto of final leaf. 'These plates are an extraordinary and skilful combination of classical river gods, rococo lightness, and Strawberry Hill Gothic' comment Hammelmann and Boase (p. 14). It was at Gray's insistence that the word 'Designs' preceded 'Poems' in the title, a reflection of his feeling that the text played a 'subordinate' part. Gray was also responsible for the insertion of the word 'Mr' before the two names in the title, much to Walpole's dislike. 'A Long Story' is printed for the first time. Hazen, Horace Walpole 42; Northup 178; Ray, English 4; Rothschild 1061; Stokes 43.
Imperial 4° (371 x 270mm). Half-title, engraved vignette on title, 6 engraved plates, 6 head- and tailpieces, 6 historiated initials, by I. S. Müller and C. Grignion after Bentley, the poems printed on rectos only, the 'Explanation of the Prints' by Horace Walpole on both recto and verso. (Light spotting and soiling, mostly marginal.) Contemporary polished calf, spine gilt, one compartment with red morocco label, repeated urn device and flower sprays in the other six (spine frayed at head, corners rubbed). Provenance: Westport House (bookplate) -- Ulick (note of indirect purchase from his sale at Sotheby's by:) Norah More -- Jasper More (bookplate).
Hazen's second issue with half-title reading 'Designs, .' and the exclamation mark in the rows of printer’s flowers on recto of final leaf. 'These plates are an extraordinary and skilful combination of classical river gods, rococo lightness, and Strawberry Hill Gothic' comment Hammelmann and Boase (p. 14). It was at Gray's insistence that the word 'Designs' preceded 'Poems' in the title, a reflection of his feeling that the text played a 'subordinate' part. Gray was also responsible for the insertion of the word 'Mr' before the two names in the title, much to Walpole's dislike. 'A Long Story' is printed for the first time. Hazen, Horace Walpole 42; Northup 178; Ray, English 4; Rothschild 1061; Stokes 43.
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