Description: 1802: Gil Blas, famous comic novel, English Translation by Tobias Smollett, Three Volumes, Nice Plates Here in three volumes, printed in 1802, is one of the most famous 18th century novels, "Gil Blas," by the French writer Alain-René Lesage (1648-1747), in an English language translation by another important literary figure, Tobias Smollett (1721 – 1771). "Gil Blas," the comic tale of a clever valet who rises high in life, was a big hit in its own day, and it contains all kinds of colorful and picaresque episodes, as well as a healthy dose of ribaldry. This edition contains nine very nice engraved plates, as well as about 1200 pages of text! Smollett's prose makes for an entertaining and easy read. The paper has toned, but the typeface is attractive, clear and legible. The three volumes were bound at some point in the 19th century, and condition of the bindings is poor. The front cover of volume one is detached, and the rest is brittle and fragile. The actual text pages are in good shape. I saw an 1819 edition of this Smollett translation, in three volumes, offered for sale on the web for $327. I'm starting out my rare, older-yet set at a MUCH lower price. Buyer will be responsible for shipping charges ($10 within the U.S.) "Gil Blas is born in misery to a stablehand and a chambermaid of Santillana in Cantabria, and is educated by his uncle. He leaves Oviedo at the age of seventeen to attend the University of Salamanca. His bright future is suddenly interrupted when he is forced to help robbers along the route and is faced with jail. He becomes a valet and, over the course of several years, is able to observe many different classes of society, both lay and clerical. Because of his occupation, he meets many disreputable people and is able to adjust to many situations, thanks to his adaptability and quick wit." And to see what else I have for sale, please click here.
Price: 39.99 USD
Location: Amesbury, Massachusetts
End Time: 2025-02-02T21:52:51.000Z
Shipping Cost: 10 USD
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Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Year Printed: 1802
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Topic: Novels
Region: Europe
Author: Smollett
Subject: Literature & Fiction
Original/Facsimile: Original
Language: English
Place of Publication: London
Special Attributes: Illustrated