Collection of Visions and Allegories Selected from the Most Eminent Authors, for the Improvement of the Youth of Both Sexes.
London: Printed for E. and C. Dilly, 1772. First edition, possibly second issue as ESTC notes the present title-leaf as being a cancel. ESTC also notes a copy with a Dampier and Brown imprint [dated “1750?” given that the typography of the present work suggests a date twenty years later and the only other Dampier and Brown recorded imprint is conjecturally dated by Harvard as [1770?]. Engraved frontispiece of the goddess Athena followed by an owl with Pegasus flying overhead and open books with the printed text “Homer,” “Virgil,” and “Glover’s Leonidas” laid upon the ground. Binding extremities lightly worn, a few small chips and slight scuffing to boards. Frontispiece and first few leaves lightly creased. Minor light dampstain to lower corners of leaves, never touching text. Contemporary ink inscriptions on front pastedown and recto of preliminary leaf. A very good copy. Contemporary sheep, recently rebacked preserving original red leather spine label lettered in gilt. Large twelvemo. iv, 240 pp. Item #16511
We were unable to find any biographical information about the compiler of A Collection of Visions, including his or her name and dates. In the introduction, the author writes, “Fables and allegories have at all times been considered as an agreeable and useful method of conveying instruction, if proper judgment is used in the choice of materials, as they bring together entertaining and instructive pieces...It is therefore hoped that this collection will be of use to allure young minds to the practice of virtue, which is the hearty wish of the publishers” (pp. iii-iv). The present work features a variety of fables, allegories, verse, and quotes from such figures as John Milton and Seneca with the hope of enlightening its readers. A variety of subjects are covered, including prosperity, adversity, death, and friendship. Also included are characters from familiar myths (Hercules, harpies, Aesop, Achilles, Ulysses, etc.).
ESTC records three copies and COPAC records six copies, all in the U.K. OCLC notes two copies in the U.K. and one copy in the United States at the University of Minnesota.
Price: $1,250.00