Encyclopedie

3 volumes in-4, plein veau moucheté de l'époque, dos à 5 nerfs soulignés de filets dorés, pièces de titre et de tomaison de maroquin noir et rouge, roulette dorée sur les coupes, tranches rouges, (6), 383 p. ; vii, 456 p. et (6), 573, (49) p., 25 planches de portraits gravés hors texte. Thomas Blackwell (1701-1757) was a classical scholar, historian and "one of the major figures in the Scottish Enlightenment. "Memoirs of the Court of Augustus" established him as one of the premier figures. After Blackwell's death, John Mills continued and completed the third volume, which was published in 1763". "This work contains fine impressions of heads of great personages from genuine antiques. It had a good reception. It was praised by Samuel Johnson as being 'full of events displayed with accuracy and related with vivacity'" (DNB). Vol. 1 have imprint: London: Printed for A. Millar, 1760. Vol.2: Edinburgh: Printed by Hamilton, Balfour and Neill, 1755. Vol. 3: London: Printed for A. Millar, 1763. "Continued and completed from the original papers of the late Thomas Blackwell (...) by John Mills, esq.". Large paper issue. Index to all three volumes. Contemporary engraved armorial bookplate of Joseph Pickford Esqr, with motto "Si vincula gero non vincor" on the 3 volumes. Some minor worm damage without affecting the text. Joints and hinges a little worn. Some scattered browning. A good copy well bound at the time.