Opera

Londini: Iohannes Pines [London: John Pine], 1733-37 [but 1757].. First edition. Two volumes. 8vo. (xxxii), 176, (2), 177-264, (2); (xxiv), 48, (2), 49-94, (2), (95)-152, (153)-191, (15) pp. Early green full vellum, spines with raised bands, gilt decoration to the panels and to the boards, marbled endpapers, the early armorial bookplate of John Godley ("Sans Dieu Rien") to the front pastedowns, all edges gilt, housed in a recent utilitarian brown cloth solander box. Profusely illustrated with vignettes plus head and tailpieces throughout on classical themes. Joints and hinges cracked but holding, bindings with general wear with occasional losses to the leather, contents generally very good. A quite astonishing feat of book production, earning the distinction by being finely engraved throughout - text and illustrations alike. A friend and contemporary of Hogarth, John Pine (1690-1756) was a prolific engraver, likely learning the trade as a young man under the great Bernard Picart in Amsterdam. His work predominantly encompassed the making of prints and maps, including Rocque's 24 sheet plan of London in collaboration with John Tinney. This rendering of the works of Horace showcases the beauty and intricacy of his work. Gordon N. Ray, writing of this second issue, called it "the most elegant of English eighteenth century books". First published between 1733 and 1737, this is the second issue with the corrected wording ("Potest") to the medallion illustration on p. 108.