THE ADVENTURES OF GIL BLAS DE SANTILLANE. A New Translation, By the Author of Roderick Random [Tobias Smollett].

4 volumes. "A New Translation", and very early edition "Adorned with a new set of copperplates, neatly engraved" being a total of 16 fine plates. Small 8vo, bound in three-quarter polished calf over cloth covered boards, the spines with raised band, gilt lettering and tooling, marbled endpapers. ix 261; vi, 212; vi, 240; vi, 227pp. A handsome little set of this literary classic, all very sound and sturdy, 3 of the lettering labels off, but still an attractive set.

Edizione: a handsome and well preserved set of this 18th century classic offered here in the best translation by mr. smollett who was also renown for his translation of don quixote and for his own masterful works of literature and travel.<br> gil blas is related to le sage's other well known play, turcaret. in both works, le sage uses such things as witty valets in the service of thieving masters, women of questionable morals, cuckolded yet happy husbands, gourmands, ridiculous poets, false savants, and dangerously ignorant doctors to make his point. each class and each occupation becomes an archetype. the work is universal while also being decidedly french.<br> it is thanks to smollett that gil blas had such an impact on the english-speaking nations. the work was referred to by authors such as jonathan swift, oliver wendell holmes, wilkie collins, and nathaniel hawthorne. it is considered a primary model to twain for 'the adventures of huckleberry finn' and charles dickens relates the story of gil blas to steerforth and traddles in david copperfield.