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SPENCE, Joseph (1699--1768)
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 mutually from one another. In ten books. By the Revd. Mr. Spence.
London (Place), printed for R. Dodsley,, 1747.
xii, 156, 155--361, [1] p., engr. frontis. port., XLI pl. (5 fold.) : [16] engr. illus. ; 41.0 cm. (2º)

First edition of Spence's lavishly illustrated book, which made little critical impact but continued to be reprinted in abridged editions for schools into the nineteenth century. With a list of subscribers. This edition is known to exist in at least three states: in state 1, leaf Kk1 is missigned k1 and p. 269 has press figure 1 at foot; in state 2, leaf Kk1 is missigned k1 and p. 269 lacks press figure 1 at foot; in state 3, leaf Kk1 is signed correctly and p. 269 has press figure 1 at foot: this copy is state 1. Pages 155--156 repeated in pagination. The portrait of Spence is by George Vertue after Isaac Wood, the copperplates of monuments, friezes and medals and illustrations within the text are by Louis Philippe Boitard of which one is after Camillo Paderni. Includes 'Directions for the Binder' and 'Errata' on final page. ESTC t133753.

Copy Notes Bought from Egerton for £4 4s. on 26 July 1793. (Journal 2, p. 300; Ledger B, p. 90). Front pastedown inscribed in pencil Ascott (?).

Binding C18th sprinkled calf, gilt-tooled spine compartments with floral and foliate ornaments, red morocco spine-label.

Reference Number 3867

Additional Names Thomas & John Egerton; Ascott, former owner?


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