A Tale of a Tub. Written for the Universal Improvement of Mankind. To which is added An Account of a Battel between the Ancient and Modern books in St James’s Library

The fifth edition of Jonathan Swift’s work and the first to include the ‘Author's Apology’ and explanatory notes by William Wotton. In addition to the main satire, this edition also contains the essay ‘An Account of a Battel between the Ancient and Modern Books in St. James's Library’ and a third work, ‘A Discourse Concerning the Mechanical Operation of the Spirit’. Complete with 8 full page engravings.

PHYSICAL CONDITION: In good condition in a handsome panelled calf binding, blind stamped to front and rear. Shelf worn, a little bumped to edges as expected. Six panelled spine ruled in gilt. Front and rear hinges just cracking although text block remains very sound. Endpapers age toned as expected. A pictorial bookplate in the name of ‘JWH Brydges’ to front pastedown is likely that of John William Head Bridges (1764 -1839) of Wooton, Kent, England. An additional handwritten ownership inscription reads ‘JWH Bridges 1780’ to front free endpaper. Full page frontispiece by J Stuirt and 7 further full page engravings throughout. A dark stain runs throughout the entire volume to top edge of each leaf affecting the upper margin. Text remains legible throughout. 343 pp. Printed by John Nutt in London. Jonathan Swift’s name is not on the title page of this edition which reads instead ‘By W.W.W--tt--n, B.D. and others’.