Beschreibung:

Title: Polymetis: or, An Enquiry concerning the Agreement Between the Works of the Roman Poets, And the Remains of the Antient Artists. Being An Attempt to illustrate them mutuall from one another. In Ten Books [bound in one volume] Author: Spence, [Joseph] Place: London Publisher: R. Dodsley Date: 1747 Description: xii, 361, [1] pp. Preface. "The Names of the Subscribers." And with 42 copper-engraved plates, including frontispiece portrait, some are double-page and/or folding; plus a few wood engravings within the text. (Folio) 15¼x9½, bound in contemporary gilt-tooled and decoratively blind-stamped calf, rebacked with later calf but with the contemporary gilt-tooled calf spine laid on, wide spine bands, marbled endpapers and page edges, inner gilt dentelles. First Edition. One of the great works on classical art and literature of the eighteenth century, although criticized at the time for totally ignoring the Greeks. Joseph Spence (1699-1768), a friend of Alexander Pope and member of his literary circle, was both "amiable and high-principled." The qualities made him much in demand as an escort for the sons of English gentlemen and nobility on the Grand Tour of Europe. Plates 36-38 bound in right after plates 39-41. Paper label on front pastedown: "Shalders, Holt: Private Bookseller & Binder, Stationer & Medicine Vender (Druggist & Perfumer)." Lot Amendments Condition: Nicks and light crackling to leather, corners a bit bumped; hinges tender, scattered and minor foxing, dark stains to upper frontispiece; else very good or better. Scarce. Item number: 154681