Don Quixote – Miguel de Cervantes – 1796 | First Dublin Edition with 22 Engravings

A rare, late 18th-century English translation of Cervantes’ masterpiece Don Quixote. This edition, translated by Tobias Smollett, is a first edition published in Dublin. Smollett translation, while not as popular as Jarvis printings, is still considered important. Smollett was the sixth translator to translate ‘Don Quixote’ into English. It is interesting though, many passages of this work parallel both the original Spanish and the Jarvis translation; however, some of the textual errors that Jarvis made, Smollett kept instead of changing. Because of this, the Smollett editions are also considered inaccurate or incomplete. While Smollett translations are not considered the most accurate, they are considered highly readable. Smollett was a popular author in his own right and much of the popularity of this translation was due to his previous fame, rather than quality of his translation. There is also some scholarly speculation on whether or not Smollett actually knew Spanish! (Linsalata, 115). This fine printing includes 22 incredible engravings.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The History and Adventures of the Renowned Don Quixote
• Author(s): Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
• Illustrator(s):
• Contributor(s): Tobias Smollett (Translator)
• Publisher: Dublin, John Chambers
• Edition: First Dublin Edition, 1796
• Format: (8vo), four volumes
• Binding: Leather binding with marbled boards
• Size:  8in X 5.5in (20cm x 14cm)
• Collation:
  • Vol. I: [lxviii], 407p
  • Vol. II: [ii], 459p
  • Vol. III: [xiii], 466p
  • Vol. IV: [ii], 459p
• Illustrations: 22 engraved plates
• Contents Include:
  • Prefatory Life of Cervantes by Smollett
  • Full text of Don Quixote in Smollett’s English translation
• Provenance: provenance
• Reference(s): Linsalata p. 115

Condition:

Bound in leather with marbled boards, the set shows rubbing at the corners and hinges, though structurally strong with tight and secure bindings. The spines remain sound with wear consistent with age. Internally complete, with all plates present, the volumes show light age toning but retain clarity of text and engravings.

Why Collect This?

• Scarce first Dublin edition of Smollett’s translation
• Illustrated with 22 engraved plates
• Rare Irish printing, published in Dublin

Item Number: #29383