[Rarebooks] FS: First Edition of one of the great comic poems in English

[Charles Agvent]

BYRON, Lord. DON JUAN. London: Thomas Davison/John Hunt, 1819 - 1824. 
First Edition. FIRST EDITIONS OF ALL 16 CANTOS of Byron's epic satire 
and one of the great comic poems in the English language. Along with a 
copy of the First Octavo Edition (Thomas Davison, 1819) of the first 
volume with the first two cantos. The first two cantos were first 
published by Thomas Davison in 1819 in a quarto volume (8-3/4" x 
11-1/2"), here in contemporary calf with some wear and rubbing. The 
remaining cantos, all present, were published in octavo volumes (5-1/2" 
x 8-3/4") by both Davison and later John Hunt from 1821 to 1824. These 
are bound in contemporary polished calf. All half-title pages and ads 
present as called for; errata for the sixth volume lacking. All seven 
volumes have been uniformly rebacked with contrasting morocco spine 
labels. Sent abroad by his mother at the age of 16 in disgrace after an 
intrigue, Don Juan is shipwrecked. His many adventures include clashes 
with pirates, being sold as a slave to a sultana who falls in love with 
him, an escape from her jealousy to Russia where he attracts the favor 
of the Empress Catherine, and finally a return to England where the poem 
concludes with a satirical description of social conditions there as 
well as love affairs of Don Juan. The first quarto and octavo volumes 
with the bookplate of noted collectors Nell Rose Wheeler and Charles Van 
Cise Wheeler on the front pastedowns. Very Good or better.

Randolph pages 69, 74, 82, 83, 86 & 87. Large paper issues of cantos VI, 
VII & VIII; IX, X & XI; XII, XIII & XIV; XV & XVI. Lacking half-titles 
for volumes III, IV & V; later, l.p. copies issued without 1/2 titles. 
(#014557)        $15,000.00

http://home.ptd.net/~chagvent/014557.jpg

-- 

All books subject to prior sale. Cash with order; institutions may be 
billed. Postage additional: $25.00. Pennsylvania residents must add 6% 
sales tax. Mastercard, Visa, American Express, and Discover accepted. 
Books may be returned within 10 days of receipt for any reason provided 
they are in the same condition as sent and prior notice is given. Please 
insure returns for their full value. We carry a diverse stock with major 
specialties including Modern and 19th Century Literary First Editions, 
Signed Books, Presidential Autographs, Illustrated Books, and the 
world's largest inventory of Limited Editions Club books. *We have been 
in business since 1987 and are proud to be members of the Antiquarian 
Booksellers Association of America (ABAA) and the International League 
of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB).* Please feel free to contact us with 
any wants or offerings. Thank you.

CHARLES AGVENT
291 Linden Road
Mertztown, PA 19539-8750
610-682-4750
info at charlesagvent.com
Please visit our shop: http://www.charlesagvent.com