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Forster, The Reverend Edward (trans) ; Smirke, Robert (illus) : The Arabian Nights, in five volumes

William Miller, London ; W Bulmer and Co. , London (printer), 1802

Five volumes complete. Bound in quarter leather and marbled boards. The covers to all five books are much worn and weathered all about - they are, however, patrician and sure. The boards are covered in marbled paper. They are all worn and marked, resolute. The leather spines are in six panel with stamped gilt decoration and titling (the latter on different coloured leather). The books are very sturdy and bear a certain aged geniality. Volume 1 has wear to all leathered corners. The gilt borders are benign. The boards have storage marks to all corners - front and back. Inside, the contents are largely clear and neat. Pages 343 onwards have storage damp tide-marks at the bottom edge. These do not detract from the text. The pre-title page has a florid signature by a previous owner (Devereux Bowly). The papertrims have some wear. Page 17 has a short closed tear at the spine edge. The pages are cordial, clear and comfortable. The engravings are also clear and romantic. Volume 2 is of a more youthful aspect. The leathered corners are much worn. The leathered spine edges also have wear. The spine is provincial in its tidiness. There is no owner signature. The pages are characterful, clean, clear and comforting in their comfort. Volume 3 has the better covering. The wear is milder and the consequent boldness is attractive. Inside the Bowly signature is to be found on the title page. The guttering along the title page is agape but stoically attached by the binding thread. Page 71 is loose (included). The pages bear their age with an assuredness that is admirable. They are clean and clear and tight. Volume 4 has a smart and handsome spine. The boards and the corners are worn. Inside, Bowlby signed the pre-title page. The early pages have light storage damp tide-marks. These in no way affect the gentility of the pages. The pages are clear, clean and jejeune. Volume five has a handsome spine. The boards and corners have wear and scuffing. The unpredictable Bowlby decided, in this volume, to sign the title page. The early pages till page 12 have small insect injuries to the bottom edge corner. The contents have foxing but are clear and sound. In all this is a most pleasant and set. The health is good, the appearance is pleasing, the generosity of each volume is indisputable. fk. Book Condition: Good. Binding: Hardcover

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