The Library of Stephen J. Farber

Four parts in 2 volumes, 8vo (191 x 121 mm). Engraved portrait of Gulliver (Teerink second state), 6 plates (5 maps and one table), wood-engraved head- and tail-pieces. (Marginal spotting throughout in vol.2.) Modern paneled calf antique, red speckled edges. Provenance: some contemporary marginalia in vol.2.

FIRST EDITION OF GULLIVER'S TRAVELS, TEERINK'S "A" EDITION, one of the greatest satirical fables of the 18th century, which was published on 28 October 1726 and sold out within two weeks. "Of all the works of eighteenth-century English literature, it is probably Gulliver's Travels that is the best-known and most widely read today" (ODNB). Swift was one of the Greatest satirists of his time, hiding behind his various noms de plume, he poked fun at the social and political issues of the day, "the Prince of pamphleteers and satirists" (PMM). An explosive satire, Gulliver's Travels attracted both criticism and praise for its clever critiques of politics, misogyny, and the "traveller's tales" subgenre popular during the 18th century. Teerink 289 ("A" edition); Grolier English, 42; PMM 185; Rothschild 2108.