The History of the Valorous and Witty Knight-Errant, Don Quixote.

Rare first complete English edition, being two parts bound together in a contemporary calf binding. The first part of Don Quixote was originally published in Spanish in 1605 and translated into English in 1612. The second part was published in 1614 and translated into English in 1620 and published again with part one. This edition is the first time the book appeared in full in any language other than Spanish, comprising the second edition in English of part one, and the first edition in English of part two. Thick octavo in very good condition. Lacking initial blank and engraved title in part one (there was no printed title). Lacking the added engraved title in part two (with printed title present); lacking leaf C7 (pp.29-30) in part two; lacking K4 (a blank) in part two. Some rubbing and wear to binding, some soiling and aging to contents, but overall fairly moderate. Translated by Thomas Shelton, who has been said to reproduce Cervantes' racy, spirited manner more closely than any other to follow. Housed in a custom quarter calf clamshell box. Exceptionally rare, especially so in period binding.