The History of the Ingenious Gentleman, Don Quixote of La Mancha (Lockhart edition, with his famous essay and notes, using the Motteux translation)

First edition thus. John Lockhart edition, using the Motteux translation. 4 volumes, complete. Rare edition of Cervantes 'Don Quixote' in the arrangement of the Scottish writer John Gibson Lockhart (1794-1854), who published 'Quixote' for the first time in 1822, this printing being an exact reprint of the 1822 edition, but for the first time placing Lockhart's name on the title page to give him proper credit, posthumously. With the Lockhart's essay 'Life of Cervantes' and his important and detailed notes at the end of each volume, this edition, translated by Peter Anthony Motteux, is considered a desirable English translation, which was lauded and very popular after its release in 1700 through the 19th century. Today, however, Motteux's translation has been criticized for its frivolous style, rather than a more serious and ironic tone--turning Don Quixote and Sancho Panza into buffoons by casting the work in a Franco-Cockney tone as opposed to one more respecting of Spanish culture. Very good in half calf with marbled boards and edges. Gilt raised bands, twin labels and delicate gilt tooling to the panels. Vol. 1 and 2 boards moderately rubbed in places. Foxing to the endpapers and title page in vols 1 and 4, and a bit of shelf wear; otherwise a clean set, especially for its age. 8vo. [185 x 120 x 127 mm]. A wonderful copy of the Lockhart / Motteux edition for the Don Quixote collector.