The Life and Exploits of the Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote De La Mancha

London: printed for William Miller, 1801 Four volumes. Illustrated with 19 b/w engraved plates, frontispiece plate to Vol. I, and a fold-out map of Spain to Vol. I. Translated from the original Spanish by Charles Jervas (incorrectly printed in editions of Don Quixote as "Jarvis"). First edition thus. Finely bound by Brentano's in full red morocco, with boards double-ruled in gilt, five raised bands to spines, two black leather labels to spines, spines lettered, ruled, and elaborately decorated in gilt, gilt turn-ins, all edges gilt, and light blue endpapers. A very good set, with light wear to spines, some rubbing to joints, light toning to spines and rear board of Vol. II, light scuffing to boards, some corners worn to boards, "Edmond L. Wise" bookplates to front pastedowns, plates and fold-out map clean and intact, and light offsetting to pages facing plates. Overall, a handsome and clean set, with very sturdy hinges. First published in two volumes in 1605 and 1615, Don Quixote is widely considered one of the most influential works in the history of Spanish literature and an important part of the foundation of Western literature. The story tells of the fictional nobleman Alonso Quijano, an avid reader who sets out on a delusional journey to revive the antiquated notions of chivalry that were idealized in Medieval literature. Labeling himself a knight-errant and going by the name of Don Quixote de la Mancha, Alonso employs the help of a local farmer-turned-squire and travels through the countryside in a series of misguided attempts to save the innocent from harm. This edition contains Charles Jervas' translation, which was first published posthumously in 1742 and has been praised as being "close in spirit to the original" (ODNB). Jervas (1675 - 1739) was an accomplished portrait painter, and part of an impressive London literary circle that included Alexander Pope and Jonathan Swift. . Hard Cover. Very Good.