![SWIFT, Jonathan (1667-1745). Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World ... by Lemuel Gulliver. London: Benj[amin] Motte, 1726.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2001/NYR/2001_NYR_09878_0113_000(033320).jpg?w=1)
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SWIFT, Jonathan (1667-1745). Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World ... by Lemuel Gulliver. London: Benj[amin] Motte, 1726.
2 volumes, 8o (192 x 120 mm). Engraved frontispiece portrait of Gulliver (a few minor repairs along gutter margin) and 6 plates. (Some very minor browning and occasional soiling.) Near uniform contemporary panelled calf, covers with varying border of fillets, dots, dotted semi-circles and floral tools around contrasting centre panels, spines in compartments with raised bands and morocco lettering-pieces, gilt board edges, red speckled paper edges (vol. I with spine ends and upper corners repaired, vol. II repaired at head of spine); red morocco pull-off case. Provenance: 'Peony Juce ad59' (contemproary inscription on front blank) -- purchased from John F. Fleming, New York, 11 April 1973.
FIRST EDITION, Teerink's A edition, PORTRAIT OF GULLIVER IN THE RARE FIRST STATE (with no legend round the frame). The Travels were written in Ireland, probably between 1720 and 1725, and Swift brought the finished manuscript to England with him when he left Dublin for London in March 1726. As the time of publication approached, it was frequently discussed by his friends, but even after it appeared on 28 October 1726 Swift kept up the public pretence of having had no hand in it. Arbuthnot believed it would have as great a run as Bunyan, and Gay wrote of the impression being "sold in a week" and "read from the cabinet council to the nursery." The manuscript had been delivered to Motte's door by Charles Ford, but it was through Pope's efforts that Swift obtained £200 for the copyright. He was to claim that this was the only occasion that he ever made a farthing by his writings (to Pulteney, 12 May, 1735). Ashley VI, p.28; Grolier English 42; Rothschild 2104; Teerink 289; PMM 185. (2)
2 volumes, 8o (192 x 120 mm). Engraved frontispiece portrait of Gulliver (a few minor repairs along gutter margin) and 6 plates. (Some very minor browning and occasional soiling.) Near uniform contemporary panelled calf, covers with varying border of fillets, dots, dotted semi-circles and floral tools around contrasting centre panels, spines in compartments with raised bands and morocco lettering-pieces, gilt board edges, red speckled paper edges (vol. I with spine ends and upper corners repaired, vol. II repaired at head of spine); red morocco pull-off case. Provenance: 'Peony Juce ad59' (contemproary inscription on front blank) -- purchased from John F. Fleming, New York, 11 April 1973.
FIRST EDITION, Teerink's A edition, PORTRAIT OF GULLIVER IN THE RARE FIRST STATE (with no legend round the frame). The Travels were written in Ireland, probably between 1720 and 1725, and Swift brought the finished manuscript to England with him when he left Dublin for London in March 1726. As the time of publication approached, it was frequently discussed by his friends, but even after it appeared on 28 October 1726 Swift kept up the public pretence of having had no hand in it. Arbuthnot believed it would have as great a run as Bunyan, and Gay wrote of the impression being "sold in a week" and "read from the cabinet council to the nursery." The manuscript had been delivered to Motte's door by Charles Ford, but it was through Pope's efforts that Swift obtained £200 for the copyright. He was to claim that this was the only occasion that he ever made a farthing by his writings (to Pulteney, 12 May, 1735). Ashley VI, p.28; Grolier English 42; Rothschild 2104; Teerink 289; PMM 185. (2)