[Prints] [Defoe, Daniel] Twelve Prints, representing the Surprising Events in the Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe

London: Bowles & Carver, January 18, 1800. Later printing. Complete set of 12 engraved prints. Limp contemporary wrappers, rear wrapper starting, worn and creased, losses along edges; wear and loss along print edges; old repaired tear in center left edge of first plate, toning, soiling, and creasing to same; creasing and scattered spotting to remaining plates. Each measuring approximately 9 1/2 x 15 in. (241 x 381 mm). Blewett, p. 227 (first edition)

A rare and complete suite of these engravings illustrating Daniel Defoe's Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe. First published by Carrington Bowles in 1783, and reprinted here under partnership with Samuel Carver in 1800 (Bowles and Carver partnered in 1793).

We can locate only five institutions with copies: the Rosenbach (1783 edition), Yale University (1783), Princeton University (1783), Harvard University (1783), and Oxford University.

Rare to auction in any edition or quantity, according to RBH this is the only complete set to come to auction since 1929.

Sotheby Parke-Bernet & Co., London, May 23-24, 1983, Lot 129

Justin G. Schiller

From the library of Frederick Gale Ruffner, Jr., Detroit, Michigan

[Prints] [Defoe, Daniel] Twelve Prints, representing the Surprising Events in the Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe