Harlequin-Horace: or, The Art of Modern Poetry
London: printed for Lawton Gilliver at Homer's Head against St. Dunstan's church, in Fleetstreet, MDCCXXXI [1731]. Marbled Wrappers. Scarce First Edition, written in 56 stanzas of rhyming verse, of this satirical poem. Foxson's second state (no known priority): correct catchword on p. 57 and p. 58 correctly numbered. Crown 8vo (189 x 122mm): [10],59,[1]pp, with folding engraved frontispiece and woodcut initials and ornaments. Later marbled wrappers, paper label printed in red and black to front cover, title page printed in red and black with bust vignette of Horace. A beautifully preserved copy, tightly bound and clean throughout. Foxon M251. Near Fine+. Item #BB2387
Miller was a playwright whose own works were performed at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, and who adapted plays by Molière and other French dramatists for the London stage. He only revealed his authorship of this work in the fourth edition, of 1735. Harlequin-Horace is a "witty inversion of the Ars poetica, attacking pantomime and opera and exuberantly depicting a topsy-turvy theatrical world. Alexander Pope approved, as did his disciples on the Grub-Street Journal . . . . [The poem] lampooned the Italian operas of Handel, but Miller admired the sacred oratorios in English, and himself furnished the libretto for Joseph and his Brethren." (ODNB) N. B. With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition, carefully preserved in archival, removable mylar sleeves. All orders are packaged with care and posted promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed. (Fine Editions Ltd is a member of the Independent Online Booksellers Association, and we subscribe to its codes of ethics.).
Price: $499.00