A Fine Collection of American Literature and History

London: C. Whittingham for John Sharpe, 1803. In eight volumes. From The British Classics series. 12mo. Illustrated with an engraved frontispiece and title-page in each volume, as well as numerous engraved plates. Full contemporary straight-grain red morocco, stamped in gilt, joints variously rubbed; all gilt edges gauffred; marbled endpapers; a few volumes with very light scattered foxing.

The Spectator was a daily publication issued in London from 1711-12. Its principal authors, Joseph Addison and Richard Steele, described its aim as to "enliven morality with wit, and to temper wit with morality." At the height of the philosophical Enlightenment in England, this paper brought literature, philosophy, and other elements of high society to London's middle class.

A handsome set.