"READ BY ALL AGES AT ALL TIMES": FIRST ILLUSTRATED EDITION IN ENGLISH OF DON QUIXOTE, 1687

CERVANTES SAAVEDRA, Miguel de. The History Of the most Renowned Don Quixote of Mancha: And his Trusty Squire Sancho Pancha. Now made English according to the Humour of our Modern Language. And Adorned with several Copper Plates. By J[ohn] P[hillips]. London: Thomas Hodgkin, 1687. Folio (8-1/2 by 13 inches), contemporary full brown calf neatly rebacked with original spine laid down, raised bands, red morocco spine label renewed. $18,000.

First illustrated edition in English of Cervantes' "great, ironical, romantic story" (Powys 27), the first edition of Phillips' translation, with a handsome full-page engraved frontispiece and 16 fine copper engravings (on eight plates), in nicely restored contemporary calf covers.

First published 1605-15, Don Quixote stands as "one of those universal works which are read by all ages at all times, and there are very few who have not at one time or another felt themselves to be Don Quixote confronting the windmills or Sancho Panza at the inn" (PMM 111). John Phillips, who prepared this edition, was the nephew and godson of John Milton, with whom he lived and from whom he received his education. With engraved frontispiece and 16 copper-plate engravings on eight plates. Phillips' rendering is the second English translation of Don Quixote; Thomas Shelton's, published in 1612 (part I) and 1620 (part II), was the first, but it was not illustrated. With three pages of poems and errata at rear, often not present. Wing C1774. Iconografía de las Ediciones del Quijote (English) 401. Ashbee 12. Río y Rico 442. Andrieux 18. Lowndes, 401. Early owner ink initials to title page. Bookplates, including that of Kenneth Rapoport, American bibliophile renowned for his library of rare scientific works. Old dealer description tipped to front flyleaf.

Interior generally clean, marginal tear to [A4], tears to upper corners of Gg2-3, not touching text. Corners restored. A nicely refurbished copy.