Charles Cotton - The Genuine Works - 1715

Charles Cotton – The Genuine Works
London, printed for R. Bonwicke, W. Freeman, Tim. Goodwin, J. Walthoe, M. Wotton, S. Manship, B. Tooke, J. Nicholson, R. Parker & R. Smith, 1715

A volume in octavo (8vo), contemporary full leather binding.


Description of the work

Important and rare collection of the works of Charles Cotton (1630–1687), a prominent English poet, translator, and satirist of the 17th century, a central figure of Restoration literature and a personal friend of Izaak Walton.

The 1715 edition, published in London, compiles into a single volume the main works of Cotton, offering a broad and comprehensive overview of his literary production, which ranges from burlesque and satirical poetry to the translation and parody of classics, from descriptive and travel literature to practical texts in the agricultural and naturalistic fields.

Among the contained texts, the following are noted:

Scarronnides, or Virgil Travestie, a celebrated parody of the Aeneid by Virgil, one of the most well-known and influential works of the mock-heroic genre in English.

Burlesque upon Burlesque, or the Scoffer Scoff’d, inspired by the dialogues of Luciano

The Wonders of the Peake, literary and topographical description of the Peak District, of great historical and scenic interest.

The Planter’s Manual, a practical treatise on grafting, cultivation, and fruit growing

poetry, essays, dialogues, and other satirical texts


ICONOGRAPHY

The volume is richly illustrated with numerous copper engravings, of good quality and well printed, depicting mythological and allegorical scenes, episodes from the parody of the Aeneid, views and landscapes of the Peak District, and scenes of rural and agricultural life.

The engravings are complete and overall well-preserved, a factor that significantly increases the collectible value of the work.


Historical-Literary Importance

Charles Cotton is considered one of the leading figures of English literary satire between the 17th and 18th centuries. His works played a fundamental role in the development of burlesque and parodic taste, serving as a bridge between classical tradition and modern literature.

This 1715 edition represents one of the earliest complete and comprehensive collections of his works and is today particularly valued and sought after in Anglo-Saxon collecting circles.


DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIMEN

Format in octavo (8vo).
Contemporary binding in full leather, with a spine featuring raised bands and gold tooling.

The binding shows widespread wear, abrasions, and chipping on the plates and the ears. The rear plate remains stable and firmly attached, but with a slightly loose internal hinge, as visible in the photo.

The cards are generally solid. Slight and widespread traces of old humidity are visible on the cards, appearing as a slightly more yellowish patina typical of volumes from the period. In some areas, a natural color variation of the paper can be observed, with locally lighter zones (particularly on the left margin) compared to slightly darker areas.
These traces do not in any way compromise the readability of the text or the stability of the card.

There are normal reddening and sparse blooming. The text is complete. The engravings are present and in good condition.

Authentic specimen, unaltered, with a pleasing patina of time, consistent with its age and use.