THE NEW BATH GUIDE: or, Memoirs of the B-R-D Family. In a Series of Poetical Epistles.
[London]: J. Dodsley, in Pall-Mall, et al, 1766. First Edition. Hardcover. First edition, the second issue with the addition of the "Epilogue to the New Bath Guide." Quarto: 130 pp. Early 19th century straight-grain green morocco binding, with five raised bands and gilt-stamped titling, borders, and ornamentation. Neat holographic additions to the title page and the first page of the text. Extremities a bit rubbed, but overall a nice copy. Housed in a modern green cloth folding case.
Provenance: from the library of Richard Porson (1759-1808), the English classical scholar, a gift to him from the English physician Robert Glynn. A preliminary blank leaf is filled with Porson’s notes comparing this first edition to the fourteenth edition of 1791. Pencil notations on a preceding leaves suggest this copy later passed into the hands of English poet Samuel Rogers. The bookplate of Laurence Currie, of Minley Manor, appears on the front pastedown.
A satire of various aspects of life in Bath, then a fashionable spa town, this work went through more than 30 editions between 1766 and 1830. Much of the poem’s charm arises from Anstey’s mastery of versification, but the element of parody, together with the simple caricature and occasional accurate delineation of scenes well-known to 18th century readers, helps to explain the its popularity. Very good. Item #80969
Price: $650.00