Hudibras. In Three Parts. Written in the Time of the Late Wars. Corrected and Amended: With Additions.

London: T. W. for D. Browne, J. Walthoe, J. Knapton et al., 1726 . First edition. Leather. Very Good. 6.5" by 4". William Hogarth. William Hogarth's first illustrated edition of Samuel Butler's mock-heroic satirical poem 'Hudibras'. The first Hogarth edition of this work, which was first published in three parts between 1663 and 1678.This was the first edition to feature Hogarth's illustrations, and consists of a portrait frontispiece, eleven plates, and five folding plates. Collated, complete.The poem tells the story of Sir Hudibras, a knight who is a fanatic for the Cromwellian cause, and his squire, Ralpho. The narrative follows their adventures as they try to impose their strict moral and religious values on the people around them, often with disastrous and comical results.ESTC T1917. The pagination of this work is irregular, but the text complete.Parts II and III have individual title pages, with part III with the imprint 'Printed for Francis Fayram, 1726', as called for.With the bookplate of Josceline Grove to the front free endpaper, and two plates hand coloured by a prior owner.Written in a mock-heroic style, Butler's poem is a critique of the Puritanism that was prevalent in England during the mid-seventeenth century. In a half calf binding, with marbled paper covered boards. Endpapers removed. Light rubbing to back strip and boards. Front hinge a touch tender, but firmly held. Inscription and bookplate to front free endpaper. Internally, firmly bound. Two plates partially hand coloured by a prior author. Pages lightly age toned, but generally clean and bright. One folding place laid down to a new leaf, in order to repair a significant closed tear. With a small paper repair to the reverse of a further plate. Very Good