The Spectator, 1897, 8 Volumes, Signed Bayntun Bindings

The Spectator – Edited by Joseph Addison and Richard Steele

8 Volumes – Complete Collection

J.M. Dent & Co., 1897 

Signed Bindings by Bayntun, Bath, England

FINE Condition

This is a beautiful 8 volume leather bound collection of “The Spectator” published by J.M. Dent & Co. in 1897/1898. The Spectator was an influential daily periodical published jointly by Joseph Addison and Richard Steele with occasional contributions from other writers such as Alexander Pope, Thomas Tickell. Originally published daily from March 1711 to December 1712, Addison revived the publication without Steele, issuing it thrice weekly from June 1714. Valuable as social history, the papers provide an excellent commentary on the manners, morals, and literature of the day. The Spectator was supposedly written by members of a small club, representing figures of the British middle class: Sir Roger de Coverley (country gentry), Captain Sentry (military), Sir Andrew Freeport (commerce), Will Honeycomb (town), and Mr. Spectator himself. The Spectator followed The Tatler, a periodical started by Richard Steele under the pseudonym Isaac Bickerstaff. Addison joined Steele in writing the Tatler and continued his collaboration with him, writing about the same number of articles, in the Spectator. Both periodicals had a tremendous influence on public opinion and gave great impetus to the growth of journalism and periodical writing.

Comprises Issue 1-555 (1 March, 1711 - December 6 1712) in volumes I-VII and issues 556-635 (June 18, 1714 - December 20, 1714) volume VIII. Complete and correct.

Each volume measures 7.25” x 4.75” and is finely bound by Bayntun in later period-style tan half calf over cloth boards, spines in compartments with gilt decorations, raised bands, morocco labels, top edges gilt, marbled endpapers, and is illustrated with a mezzotint portrait. The “Bayntun Binder, Bath, Eng.” stamp appears on the first free endpaper of each book.

The collection is in FINE condition. Overall, this is an exceptional collection in remarkable condition.

Photographs of the books and as well as some of the illustrations appear below. Please note that although the photographs appear digitized as thumbnails, they are viewable in the photo viewer by clicking the thumbnail.