Cyder. A Poem in Two Books, John Philips, 1708

Cyder. A Poem in Two Books, by John Philips (John Phillips). Author uncredited, as issued. Philips (1676-1709) was an English Poet, and Cyder his best known work, based on the cultivation of apple trees leading to the production of cider. The poem has been cited as being an imitation of Virgil's 'Georgics'.

Printed for Jacob Tonson, within Grays-Inn Gate next Grays-Inn Lane, London, 1708. First edition. Key first edition issue points include page 74 being correctly numbered; page 44, line 12, last word is 'destitute'; pages 44 & 46 are signed to lower margin with asterisks, catchword 'when' on page 68.

A good softback in later blue wraps with small title label to front cover. Spine is heavily worn with losses and partially split at hinges.

The text is bound soundly as a block, but with weak cover attachment. Previous owner's bookplate to first pastedown and signed inscription to first free endpaper. Inkstain to lower corner of frontispiece. Francis Edwards name inscribed to title page (the Bookseller).

Text is otherwise good - bright and clear throughout with occasional minor flaw. Small black inkstain to lower edge of text block, marginally affecting lower edge of some pages at the rear.

A nice example of early 18th Century English writing, for poetry lovers and cider makers alike.

Text in English.

Frontispiece Plate + Title + Half title + 1-48pp (Book I) and 49-89pp (Book II).

Weight approximately 116g unpacked.

Dimensions: Approximately 194mm high x 122mm wide x 10mm deep.