FÉNELON, François de Salignac de La Mothe. The Adventures of Telemachus, the Son of Ulysses. Translated from the French of Messire Francois Salignac de la Mothe-Fenelon, Archbishop of Cambray. By John Hawkesworth, L.L.D. London: Printed for the Author, by W. and W. Strahan, 1768. 4to.
First edition of John Hawkesworth's translation. Quarto. xxxv, [1], 462 pp. Illustrated throughout with 48 engraved head- and tail-pieces by Charles Grignion after Samuel Wale, a pair accompanying each of the work's twenty-four books. Contemporary full calf, spine with five raised bands, gilt floral decoration to compartments and gilt-lettered morocco title label.
An attractive copy of the first edition of Hawkesworth's substantial English translation of Fénelon's celebrated Télémaque, one of the most influential didactic works of the eighteenth century. Fénelon's narrative takes Telemachus, son of Ulysses, beyond the events described in Homer and follows his travels in search of his absent father under the guidance of Mentor — ultimately Minerva in disguise. Beneath the classical adventure lies a sustained examination of kingship, government, virtue, luxury, war and the responsibilities of rulers, themes that helped give the work a wide readership in eighteenth-century Europe.
This 1768 edition was printed by William and Andrew Strahan for Hawkesworth himself. It is particularly handsome typographically, with each of the twenty-four books opening and closing with an engraved vignette by Charles Grignion after Samuel Wale.
The preliminary matter is complete: title page; dedication to William Petty, Earl of Shelburne; extensive subscribers' list; and the final unnumbered page containing the errata and omitted subscribers. The work concludes correctly on p.462.
Condition
In contemporary full calf, substantially unrestored in appearance. The boards are rubbed, scratched and marked from use, with wear to the extremities and corners. The spine remains particularly attractive, retaining its raised bands, extensive gilt floral tooling and title label; gilt somewhat rubbed but substantially preserved. Both boards remain attached.
Internally generally clean and pleasing, with strong impressions of the type and engravings. There is mild old damp-staining to the upper margins of portions of 10-20 pages intermittently, mostly faint and confined to the blank margins, although occasionally approaching or touching the printed area. The staining is localised rather than continuous through the volume. Occasional minor spotting and handling marks elsewhere consistent with age.
Two blank flyleaves precede the title. Preliminary pagination and final text checked and complete.
A handsome, substantial eighteenth-century quarto which retains considerable shelf presence despite the honest wear to its original binding.
Size
23 x 29cm
Reference
ESTC T144205
