Fables Ancient and Modern Translated into Verse From Homer, Ovid, Boccace & Chaucer With the Original Poems by Mr Dryden - 1700

ont> Jacob Tonson : London, 1700 Book. Very Good. Hardcover. First edition.. The first edition of John Dryden's collected fables. In a very smart contemporary mottled calf binding. These translations are regarded as one of Dryden's greatest works. This was the final work produced by Dryden, as he died two months later. The work contains translations of the First Book of Homer's 'Iliad', eight selections from Ovid's 'Metamorphoses', three of Chaucer's 'Canterbury Tales', three stories from Boccaccio and many more translations including original poems by Dryden himself. With this work Dryden aimed to increase the reputation of English literature, by adapting these classic works. All the translations to this work are in Dryden's heroic couplet. With the bookplate of the Marquess of Headfort to the front pastedown with his family arms. Possibly the bookplate of the Taylour Family, either Thomas Taylour the 1st Marquess Headford or Thomas Taylour 2nd Marquess of Headfort. Complete with the Half-Title which reads 'Mr Dryden's Fables'. ESTC reference number R31983. With the signatures: A-C2, *A-*D2, chi1, A4, a2, B4-4B4, 4C2, 4D4-4N4, 4O1, 2chi1 Collated, complete. John Dryden was a popular seventeenth century English poet and literary critic. His talents in Restoration England landed him the position of England's first Poet Laureate in 1668. A lovely, first edition copy of this important work. Condition: In a contemporary mottled calf binding. Externally, generally smart with light rubbing to the joints and to the extremities. Fading to the gilt at the spine. A few small worm holes to the rear board, with the leather lifting slightly at the bottom of the joint. Leather is lifting to the head of the front joint. Bookplate to the front pastedown, Marquess of Headfort. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are generally bright. Small closed tears to the edge of the half-title. Occasional scattered spots to pages. Overall Condition: Good.