Lot Essay
"The sale [of Absalom and Achitophel, 1681] was so large my father; an old bookseller, told me he had not known it equalled but by Sacheverell's trial" [Johnson, Life of Dryden, 1779, p.109]
Details
[DRYDEN, John (1631-1700)] Absalom and Achitophel, a poem, London, for J. T. and are to be Sold by W. Davis, 1681, 2°, FIRST EDITION, (firstline on title and page number on I1 shaved, also occasional soiling and wear on old folds), modern half calf [Macdonald 12a; Wing D2212] -- [Anon]. Hist: A Ballad, Inscribed to the Revolution-Club, Edinburgh, 3d November, 1747, [Edinburgh, n.p., 1747], 4°, drophead title, 4pp., (last page soiled), modern boards [Foxon H251, 3 copies] -- THOMSON, James (1700-48). Antient and Modern Italy Compared, being the first part of Liberty, a poem, London, for A. Millar, 1725, FIRST EDITION, half title and advertisements leaves (soiled), disbound, loosely-inserted in calf backed boards [Foxen T186; Rothschild 2425] -- [HUCKELL, John (1729-71).] Avon, a poem in three parts, Birmingham and London, John Baskerville, and Sold By R. and J. Dodsley, 1758, 4° (lacking initial blank) modern boards (upper cover detached) [Gaskell, Baskerville 3; Rothschild 1167]; and 4 other similar works in 3 volumes. (7)