“THEY WILL WONDERFULLY MEND THE WORLD”: FIRST EDITION OF SWIFT’S GULLIVER’S TRAVELS

SWIFT, Jonathan. Travels Into Several Remote Nations of the World. In four parts. By Lemuel Gulliver, First a Surgeon, and then a Captain of several Ships… London: Printed for Benj. Motte, 1726. Two volumes. Octavo, late 19th century full morocco rebacked with original elaborately gilt-decorated spines laid down, raised bands, all edges gilt.

First edition, scarce second issue (Teerink “AA”) of Swift’s classic satire—“at once a favorite book of children and a summary of bitter scorn for mankind”—with engraved frontispiece portrait of Gulliver, six plates (four maps and two plans), as well as numerous woodcut initials, head- and tail-pieces. Beautifully bound by Riviere & Son.

A classic "at once a favorite book of children and a summary of bitter scorn for mankind," Swift's masterpiece will "last as long as the language, because it describes the vices of man in all nations" (DNB). "A remarkable feat in the creation of imaginary worlds as a vehicle for satire upon the political and religious establishments of the day" (Clute & Grant, 914). "Gulliver's Travels has given Swift an immortality beyond temporary fame… For every edition designed for the reader with an eye to the historical background, 20 have appeared, abridged or adapted, for readers who care nothing for the satire and enjoy it as a first-class story" (PMM 185). "Of all Swift's writings it best shows the merits of his mind and his gifts of expression… It is important to realize that it could be written only by one who had the highest ideals for human achievement and who despaired of the achieving" (Baugh et al., 865-66)—although Swift himself expressed this hope for his "Travells" to a friend: "They are admirable Things, and will wonderfully mend the world" (Rothschild 2104). First published October 28, 1726. This copy is second issue (Teerink AA), published in mid-November 1726, with "Voyage" in title to Part IV not in capitals and with all other points, with the exception of the general title page of Volume II only, which corresponds with the third issue, Teerinck B, issued in December of the same year (mixed states are not uncommon). Frontispiece in second state (Teerink's state 2a), with Latin inscription on tablet and vertical chain lines, as usual. Teerink 290. Grolier 100 42. Anatomy of Wonder II-1114. Fantasy and Horror 2-55. Bookplate of Mary Augusta Elton, distinguished collector and co-author of The Great Book-Collectors.

A lovely copy of this landmark title in excellent condition.