1814 Don Quixote translated by Tobias Smollett. Complete in four volumes. Early New York edition.

An early American printing (1814-15, New York) of the classic novel, Don Quixote, by Miguel de Cervantes, and translated by Tobias Smollett (he also added a Life of Cervantes). Complete, in four volumes, with four frontis plate illustrations. Includes both Part I and Part II.

About the Work -

Published in two parts, in 1605 and 1615, Don Quixote is the most influential work of literature from the Spanish Golden Age and the entire Spanish literary canon. As a founding work of modern Western literature, it regularly appears high on lists of the greatest works of fiction ever published, such as the Bokklubben World Library collection that cites Don Quixote as the authors' choice for the "best literary work ever written".

The story follows the adventures of a noble (hidalgo) named Alonso Quixano who reads so many chivalric romances that he loses his sanity and decides to become a knight-errant (caballero andante), reviving chivalry and serving his country, under the name Don Quixote de la Mancha. He recruits a simple farmer, Sancho Panza, as his squire, who often employs a unique, earthy wit in dealing with Don Quixote's rhetorical orations on antiquated knighthood. Don Quixote, in the first part of the book, does not see the world for what it is and prefers to imagine that he is living out a knightly story.

Physical Attributes -

Each measures approx. 12.5 x 6.5 x 2 cm. Possibly sheep skin, green. Double fillet around diapered front and rear board. Spine with gilt decoration, "Don Quixote", and volume # in gilt, faux bands of Greek keys with triple fillets; at the bottom of spine a roll with oak leaves and dots. Complete in four volumes. Frontis plate and title page illustration in each. Includes both Part 1 and Part 2. V1 - 321 p., V2 - 298 p., V3 - 315 p., 297 p..

Condition -

See pictures. Bindings have had quite a bit of wear at edges. Spines are crazed. Boards have some rubbing marks, etc.. Library shelf number and other ownership marks on preliminary blank pages, the verso of the plates, and on the title pages. Thumbing, toning, and a little foxing throughout. Plates have no tissue and have toned the facing title pages heavily, as well as the page behind the title page. Binder notes at rear of volume one. Endpapers more heavily toned than printed work. Occasional dog-eared (folded) page. Marbled edges faded.