The Works of Alexander Pope

London: J. and P. Knapton; H. Linton et al., 1753. Leather. Good. 7" by 5". None. Eight volumes only of this nine volume mid eighteenth century edition of the works of Pope, illustrated throughout with engraved plates. Lacking volume two only.Illustrated with twenty plates: three plates to volume I, eight to volume III, three to volume IV, five to V, and one to VI. Collated, complete.ESTC reference number T5434With stamps of the Bromley Public Library throughout each volume, including to versos of title pages, reverse of plates, and heads and tails of a number of leaves. With neat contemporary marginal notations to margins throughout each volume, and with the inscription 'J. B. Relton' to front free endpapers. To the verso of the divisional title page of 'Pope's Last Will and Testament' to the rear of volume IX is pasted a handwritten facsimile of Pope's signature, and that of his lifelong lover, Martha Blount. A contemporary owner explains 'facsimile of Pope's signature copied by me from his own hand writing - also one of Martha Blount's'. Pope's signature is copied from an example from 1740, and Blounts from a 1747 entry.The foremost English poet of the early eighteenth century, and master of the heroic couplet, Pope is best known for his satirical poetry, including mock epic 'The Rape of the Lock', and his essays of literary criticism.Published less than a decade after Pope's death, this is a smart early edition of his works. In full calf bindings. Rubbing to back strips and board perimeters, with minor losses to back strip heads and tails. Losses to spine labels of two volumes. Joints starting, with front board of volume V tenderly held by one cord only, boards of volume I loosely held by cords, and boards of volume III a touch tender. Boards otherwise firmly held. Inscriptions to front free endpaper of each volume. Internally, generally firmly bound, with volume IX a touch strained. Pages age toned, with areas of spotting and more significant foxing throughout. A number of Good