Hudibras in Three Parts, Samuel Butler, with illustrations by Hogarth, 1775

Hudibras was originally published between 1663 and 1678, and is Butler's classic satirical poem, which has remained admired and influential for over three centuries. This 18th Century copy is very smart indeed.

Hudibras is a satirical poem by Samuel Butler, first published in parts between 1663 and 1678, that lampoons religious zealotry, political hypocrisy, and Puritanism in the aftermath of the English Civil War. Written in rhyming couplets and rich with classical allusions, the poem follows the misadventures of the self-important knight Sir Hudibras and his squire Ralpho. Celebrated for its wit, linguistic inventiveness, and sharp commentary, Hudibras was widely read throughout the 17th and 18th centuries and influenced later satirists, including Jonathan Swift and Alexander Pope.

Hudibras in Three Parts. Written in the Time of the Late Wars. Corrected and Amended: With Additions. To Which are Added, Annotations, And an exact INDEX to the Whole. Adorned with CUTTS, designed and engraved by Mr. Hogarth. By Samuel Butler (All 3 Parts are in this one volume, along with an introduction and section on the author's life).

Printed for C. Bathurst, E.Johnson, T. Davies, W. Strahan, C. Corbett, B. White, T. Longman, R. Horsefield, T. Becket, J. Nicol, T. Caslon, E. and J. Dilly, Hawes, Clarke, and Collins, T. Cadell, J. Lowndes, B. Tovey, H. Gardner, and Ed. Johnston, London, 1775.

A near fine example, rebound with a 20th Century binding - tan leather spine with raised bands, blind embossed tooled decals, and tan morocco title label with gilt. Boards covered with brown cloth. A very smart copy - light wear, crisp edges and soundly bound.

Text is bright and clean throughout, with light scattered age spotting in places. This copy is particularly noted for its Hogarth illustrations - comprising 16 Plates, including 5 foldouts. There is also a portrait frontispiece of Butler by J Van der Gucht.

Language: English.

Frontispiece + Title + xxi + 12-401pp + 17pp Index + 16 Plates (incl. 5 fold-outs). All complete and plates as called for.

Dimensions: approximately 175mm high x 110mm wide x 26mm deep.

Unpacked weight approximately 374g.