London : Printed for Jacob Tonson, at the Judge’s Head near the Inner Temple Gate in Fleetstreet, 1695. First Edition, folio, [A] - D2, text in French and English on facing pages, the French beginning on the verso of the title-page, title a little foxed in the lower margin, disbound. London: Newman & Co. Watling St. [c.1850]. 24mo, (65x57mm) 16 engraved plates with titling, bound concertina-style, the total length 88cm, original brown cloth decorated and titled in gilt, brass clasp, binding a little worn.
An English Ballad: In Answer to Mr. Despreaux’s Pindarique Ode On the Taking of Namure.
Prior, as well as being a poet, was a well respected diplomat in the service of King William III. His knowledge of French was recognised by his being sent to Paris in 1698 in attendance on the English Ambassador. He was undoubtedly well equipped to satirise Boileau’s poem.
Wing P3509
Recollections of the Sea Side
A comical take on seaside frolics in the era of the crinoline and the bathing machine.
The note to a copy recently sold for £443 in Dominic Winter’s Sale of the Christopher Foyle Library says “Very scarce. No other copy located”
D.Winter : Library of Christopher Foyle Pt. II lot 161
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