![SWIFT, Jonathan (1667-1745). Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World ... by Lemuel Gulliver. London: Benj[amin] Motte, 1726. - Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World. Vol. III. London, 1727.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2012/NYR/2012_NYR_02607_0225_000(swift_jonathan_travels_into_several_remote_nations_of_the_world_by_lem112140).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. - Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World. Vol. III. London, 1727.
Together 3 volumes, 8o (192 x 117 mm). Engraved frontispiece portrait of Gulliver in vol. 1 [state 2b] and 6 plates; an additional impression of the first state of the portrait laid-in at front of vol. 2. (Marginal stain on K1 in vol. 1, a few pale stains in gathering G in vol. 3, a few other occasional pale stains, some light browning.) The first two volumes bound in contemporary panelled calf, covers with varying border of fillets, dots, dotted semi-circles and floral tools around contrasting center panels (skilfully rebacked, a few repairs to corners); volume three in contemporary calf, double gilt-filet on covers, spine gilt-ruled (some rubbing).
FIRST EDITION, INCLUDING THE SPURIOUS THIRD VOLUME, Teerink's A edition, including an impression of the 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 pretense 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. (3)
Together 3 volumes, 8o (192 x 117 mm). Engraved frontispiece portrait of Gulliver in vol. 1 [state 2b] and 6 plates; an additional impression of the first state of the portrait laid-in at front of vol. 2. (Marginal stain on K1 in vol. 1, a few pale stains in gathering G in vol. 3, a few other occasional pale stains, some light browning.) The first two volumes bound in contemporary panelled calf, covers with varying border of fillets, dots, dotted semi-circles and floral tools around contrasting center panels (skilfully rebacked, a few repairs to corners); volume three in contemporary calf, double gilt-filet on covers, spine gilt-ruled (some rubbing).
FIRST EDITION, INCLUDING THE SPURIOUS THIRD VOLUME, Teerink's A edition, including an impression of the 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 pretense 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. (3)