Hudibras, a Poem

London: Thomas M'Lean [McLean], 1819 . Hardback. Good. 9" by 6". Not Stated. A brightly illustrated edition of Samuel Butler's satirical poem, famous for its wit and political commentary. Collated. Illustrated with six plates hand-coloured aquatints to volume I, and five to volume II. Lacking the seventh plate of volume I.Written in a mock-heroic style, Butler's poem is a critique of the Puritanism that was prevalent in England during the mid-seventeenth century. The poem tells the story of Sir Hudibras, a knight who is a fanatic for the Cromwellian cause, and his squire, Ralpho. The narrative follows their adventures as they try to impose their strict moral and religious values on the people around them, often with disastrous and comical results.With the inscription of Robert Fisher to each front pastedown.Smart, illustrated copies of Samuel Butler's most celebrated work. In the original paper covered boards. Back strips age toned, with bumping to spine heads and tails and small losses to paper at joints. Joints lightly starting to heads and tails, but firmly held. Inscriptions to front pastedowns. Internally, generally firmly bound, with binding strained to the start of volume I, and one plate detaching to tail and another lacking. Pages bright, with light spotting throughout. Good