The Spectator, In Eight Volumes, 1791, David Niven, Glasgow

The Spectator began publication in 1711 and ended in 1713, and at its height sold 20,000 copies a day, according to its authors, covering all manner of subjects pertinent to 18th Century life in London. It is thought to have actually had a daily circulation of 3,000, with many more actual readers who would have read it in London's subscribing coffeehouses. It was also widely read in the American colonies. Originally issued as a paper, the issues were later collated into sets such as this one, reprinted, and continued to be widely read, long after it ceased to be published.

The Spectator, in Eight Volumes (complete). All volumes dated to 1791.

Printed by David Niven of Glasgow in 1791. Printed for J. Duncan, J. & M. Robertson, Dunlop, & Wilson, J. & W. Shaw, R. Farie, A. Orr, A. M'Goun, and A. Macaulay, Glasgow.; J. Dickson, E. Balfour, P. Hill, J. Hunter, and J. & J. Fairbairn, Edinburgh; and W. Coke, Leith.

A very good set. Each volume in full tree calf leather hardback with burgundy and gilt morocco title label to spine, along with dark green morocco volume number label. Gilt decal borders to covers.

Covers with rubbing, bumping and wear. Some outer joints worn, but all still bound. Volume 6 spine a little more worn than the others. 

Each volume with pictorial frontispiece preceding the title page. Lower edges of frontispiece pages often trimmed shorter than main text at margin. With some offsetting opposite images.

Text is nice and clean throughout, making for a very readable set. Text with a few minor flaws - one volume with some marginal tears at title page, and one with gutter tear to title page, meaning page is loose, but still attached. Occasional minor nicks or corner crease. Lower edge of blank endpaper in Volume 8 is roughly torn at lower edge. Some offsetting and minor age spotting to endpapers.

Overall an attractive and desirable set, complete in 8 matching bindings. A particularly nice feature is the coloured line decoration to the edge of text block.

Text in English.

Pagination:
Volume 1: 313pp + (10pp) Index; 
Volume 2: 224pp + (10pp) Index; 
Volume 3: 302pp + (9pp) Index; 
Volume 4: 282pp + (6pp) Index; 
Volume 5: 285pp + (7pp) Index; 
Volume 6: 291pp + (13pp) Index; 
Volume 7: 316pp + (8pp) Index; 
Volume 8: 273pp + (7pp) Index. 

Dimensions: Each volume approximately 184mm x 109mm x 25mm. Set weighs approximately 2.65kg unpacked.